Small grocery shops are one of the few stores that can be exempt to shop shutdowns over Easter (file image). Photo: MARK PAPALII / RNZA business association says Easter Sunday trading rules are confusing and need an overhaul. Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA) head of advocacy Alan McDonald told RNZ now was a good time to look at the Shop Trading Hours Act as well. "Obviously they've eased up some of the alcohol laws to clarify them because they were very complex - the Easter ones are just as complex. A 2016 change to the Shop Trading Hours Act also meant city and district councils could create their own Easter Sunday shopping policies for their respective territories, adding to the confusion, he said.

Source: Otago Daily Times April 04, 2026 06:15 UTC