Minister voted against earlier Easter trading bill

Stuff co.nz 25 August 2015
Workplace relations minister Michael Woodhouse voted against liberalising Easter Trading laws just three years ago.

Woodhouse has just passed the baton to councils saying they will now decide whether shops can open on Easter Sunday.

He said the yesterday this was because current rules are arbitrary and unfair to businesses.

But in June 2012 he opposed a member’s bill from National colleague Jacqui Dean to relax rules in Otago.

Other National MPs who voted against the proposed legislation were ministers Gerry Brownlee and Sam Lotu-liga, as well as Chester Borrows, Tim Macindoe, Alfred Ngaro, Simon O’Connor and Jonathan Young.

Prime Minister John Key voted in favour.

It was defeated 70 votes to 49.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/71418183/Minister-voted-against-earlier-Easter-trading-bill?cid=app-iPhone

Unions wary of Easter trading law changes
3News 25 August 2015
Wanaka retailers appear to have finally won their decades-long battle for the right to open on Easter Sunday.

But there are concerns the proposed protections for workers who want to take an Easter holiday won’t have any teeth.

Conservative lobby groups are also opposed to the changes, saying stores are already open almost every day of the year.

“Public holidays are traditions. They create rituals for families, not based on shopping but on celebrating together, reconnecting, and making memories,” says Family First director Bob McCoskrie.

“Poll after poll has shown that both parents and children want to spend more time doing family things like picnics and holidays together. However, this is becoming increasingly difficult.”
http://www.3news.co.nz/nznews/unions-wary-of-easter-trading-law-changes-2015082508#axzz3jsPmxaUk

Catholic Church ‘appalled’ at changes to Easter trading
Stuff co.nz 27 August 2015
The Catholic social justice agency is “appalled” by the Government’s proposed changes to Easter Sunday trading restrictions.

On Monday, the Government announced it is changing “arbitrary” national Easter Sunday trading restrictions.

Currently, public holidays are observed on Good Friday and Easter Monday, and Sunday is a restricted trading day. Some tourist towns, such as Queenstown and Taupo, are exempt from the heavy restrictions on trading.

Under new legislation, the decision to allow shops and garden centres to stay open will be handed to councils.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand said the decision to liberalise Easter trading hours to local councils will have negative implications for families and communities.

Director Julianne Hickey said the agency was “surprised and appalled” by the proposed legislation.
http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/better-business/71521798/catholic-church-appalled-at-changes-to-easter-trading.html