Wednesday, March 28 2002
There will be no change to shop trading hours this Easter, Minister of Labour Hon Margaret Wilson said today.
Members of Parliament last night voted to retain the current restrictions applying to Good Friday, Easter Sunday,
Christmas Day and Anzac Day.
This means over Easter only those categories of shops currently permitted to trade may do so. These are dairies and
service stations; shops selling mainly souvenirs or duty-free goods; restaurants and takeaway bars; bookstalls at public
passenger transport terminals; pharmacies; shops at genuine exhibitions and shows; and shops in areas covered by area
exemptions like the tourist resorts of Queenstown and Taupo.
Garden Centres may also open over Easter, but on Easter Sunday only.
If a shop does not clearly fit into one of the exempted categories, it is an offence to open and trade during any time
the law restricts trading and the owner or occupier of a shop may be prosecuted and be liable for a fine of up to $1000.
Ends