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16 FEBRUARY 2007

Caritas urges Vote Against Easter Sunday Trading

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand has written to all Members of Parliament, urging them to vote against the extension of retail hours proposed in the two Easter Sunday trading bills returning to Parliament next week.

Caritas Director Michael Smith commented on the Bills in the light of the recent UNICEF report into children’s wellbeing, which showed New Zealand’s low rankings for time parents spend with their children.

“We do not believe that opening shops on one of the few remaining days left in the year will contribute to a better quality of life for New Zealand families,” Mr Smith said.

Caritas gave written and oral submissions to the Commerce Select Committee which has returned the Bills to Parliament. Mr Smith said that Caritas does not believe either of the Bills, or the amendments proposed by the Select Committee, will adequately protect low-paid retail workers, who often do not have real choice about the days they are asked to work.

Caritas has forwarded each Member of Parliament a copy of the recent New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference statement on the legislation, asking them to seriously consider and reflect on the Bishops’ views in making their decision about how to exercise their conscience vote.

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