Help Us Keep The Easter Culture #givefamiliesabreak

                                                            click on image to download PDF
We’ve just launched our KEEP THE EASTER CULTURE campaign. There are many towns and many businesses throughout New Zealand who will still be closing for Easter Sunday (16 April) and giving families a break. We want to help them notify customers and their community that they’re putting families first. Can you help us? 

YOUR MISSION (should you decide to accept it) IS TO DISTRIBUTE THESE A4 & A3 POSTERS TO BUSINESSES IN YOUR LOCAL SHOPPING AREA THAT ARE GIVING FAMILIES A BREAK!
There are 2 options:
1. download the pdf, and print as many posters as you need at whatever size you want
2. We have a supply of professionally printed posters (both A4 & A3) which are available for a donation (any amount) to our campaign. Email your order.
And the good news is that you’ll get fit exercising by walking around the shops!
It is disturbing that the National government pushed through the liberalisation of Easter Sunday trading laws when they have a large constituency and a significant number of MPs who have consistently opposed any changes.
Economic issues need to be finely balanced with family and community factors. Anzac Day, Easter weekend, and Christmas remain as the few times when the whole country stops and takes a break. For many people, it’s not about the religious aspect of some of these days – it’s about tradition and family time.
This is not an issue about choice as has also been argued. Coercion to work will be a very real threat. Tourists will cope. Many countries have public holidays with shops closed, and tourists simply plan around it, accepting it as part of the local culture and identity.
The justification for liberalising Easter trading laws will be used as justification for changing the laws around Christmas Day, Anzac Day morning, and Good Friday trading laws.
Easter Trading Laws A ‘Shambolic Mess’
Wellington, Auckland, Christchurch, Dunedin and Hamilton won’t make a decision in time for this Easter. Masterton and Carterton will be opening (despite overwhelming opposition to the proposal in Masterton) and Palmerston North won’t be opening. In the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga has run out of time but Rotorua will be open. Both Nelson and Tasman have voted against allowing it. Far North District Council has said yes, but Whangarei won’t make a decision. The Easter trading laws passed by the government have done nothing to solve the perceived problems of inconsistency, and have been a ‘hospital pass’ to local councils. The only people celebrating this law change will be those who are making money from it.
Thank you for helping us Keep The Easter Culture.

Bob McCoskrie
National Director