Another Easter, Another Bill But No Solution

Another Easter has rolled around and nothing has been done about Easter Shop Trading said New Zealand First leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Margaret Wilson has promised to solve this problem for four Easter’s now but the Government has pressurised its own member, Steve Chadwick, to withdraw her Bill.

“The time and effort put into the Rotorua District (Easter Sunday Shop Trading) Bill has been for nothing as, despite Ms Chadwick’s apparent refusal to withdraw her Bill, the Select Committee, with a Government majority, has recommended that it proceed no further,” said Mr Peters.

“Central Government should not be involved in this issue. It should be the choice of the local communities.

Mr Peters will seek to amend the Shop Trading Hours Repeal Act 1990 to reflect the changing commercial environment. Decisions on Easter trading will then be able to be taken by local authorities.

“Provisions will be made to allow local authorities to determine if shops can trade in their district for the 2003 Easter period,” said Mr Peters.

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