Council is proposing to renew its policy allowing Easter Sunday trading in Marlborough, acknowledging the importance of tourism-related trade and associated services to the region’s economy.

At today’s full Council meeting, Councillors approved going out for public consultation to review the Proposed Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy (2026), required under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 (the Act).

The public can have their say from tomorrow (Friday February 20) on the policy which provides local businesses and retail employees with the choice of opening for trade and working on Easter Sunday.

The proposed policy does not apply to the sale or supply of alcohol which is regulated separately.

Currently most shops in New Zealand cannot open for trade on Easter Sunday because it is a restricted trading day under the Act. Some shops selling certain types of goods such as dairies, service stations, restaurants/cafes, and garden centres can open.

Under the Act, councils can adopt local Easter Sunday shop trading policies which allow all retailers to open. The restrictions to trade on Anzac Day morning, Good Friday and Christmas Day are unchanged.

Submissions close Friday March 20 at 5pm.

A hearings panel, chaired by Clr David Croad along with Clr Deborah Dalliessi and Clr Benjamin Stace, will consider the submissions with hearings held on March 23 and 24. Recommendations will go to Council at the end of March.

To make a submission from tomorrow go to: www.marlborough.govt.nz/your-council/have-your-say-consultations or email democratic.services@marlborough.govt.nz

Submission forms can also be dropped into Council’s offices at 15 Seymour Street, Blenheim or posted to Policy Review Submissions, Marlborough District Council, PO Box 443, Blenheim 7240.

It is proposed the Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy will be in place before Easter 2026.

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