Jacqui Dean
National Party MP

18 May 2006

Easter trading bill passes first hurdle

National Party MP Jacqui Dean is pleased her Member’s Bill to change Easter trading laws has passed its first hurdle.

The Easter Sunday Shop Trading Amendment Bill passed its first reading in Parliament last night, and will now be referred to the commerce select committee.

“The vote to send the bill to select committee was 73 to 41, showing that support for change is strong within Parliament,” says Mrs Dean.

The bill grants a partial exemption from the Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal Act 1990 to allow shops in communities with significant visitor industries to open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.

“Tourism is a 365-day-a-year industry. It is one of New Zealand’s largest contributors to both gross domestic product and goods and services tax.

“This bill recognises the nature of the tourism and retail environments in communities with a significant visitor industry.

“If enacted it will allow operators to meet the demand of tourists and shoppers over the Easter period.

“There is mood for change within the retail sector. Now we will have the opportunity to debate whether our current Easter trading laws have passed their use-by date,” says Mrs Dean.

ENDS

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