Easter Sunday again saved for families, opposition bill defeated
Parliament tonight confirmed that a work-life balance for Kiwi families is important, with Progressive’s two votes
providing an absolute majority.
“Parliament rejected the another Easter Sunday Shop Trading bill from the opposition by just 56 – 61 votes,” said Matt
Robson, Progressive deputy leader.
“Shops will continue to close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning, providing a small
amount of time for families to be together.
Matt Robson earlier this year welcomed the support of the National Distribution Union in gathering petition signatures
and gaining support to defeat the previous bill. Tonight’s bill was the third Easter Sunday bill voted down since the
2002 election.
“All Progressive MPs and all Green MPs voted ‘No,’ as did six United Future MPs. Eight National MPs joined us, but only
35 of 51 Labour MPs voted No,” said Matt Robson.
“What this is really indicating is that New Zealand needs Progressive in government again after the next election.
“Progressive is campaigning to keep the next government focused on job- and wealth-creation, getting more people into
skills training, a work-life balance for families,” said Matt Robson.