Council’s Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy (2026) giving local retailers the option to open on Easter Sunday was adopted at an extraordinary council meeting this morning.

This follows a special consultative procedure (SCP) and consideration of submissions received during that process by a hearings panel chaired by Deputy Mayor David Croad, with councillors Deborah Dalliessi and Benjamin Stace.

Clr Croad said the adoption of the district-wide policy provided legal certainty and clarity for businesses and visitors ahead of Easter 2026 and beyond.

“The existing policy was due for review and had been in place since 2017.

“Council acknowledges the importance of the visitor economy to Marlborough. Allowing Easter Sunday trading is one way Council can support visitor-related trade and associated services for the benefit of the region.

“We have a lot of people wishing to use such services over the Easter period and large iconic events such as the Classic Fighters Omaka Airshow to consider. This is the right decision,” he said.

The policy went out for public consultation as required under the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 (the Act) and the Local Government Act 2002 SCP.

Twenty-nine submissions were received.

“The hearings panels considered all submissions which included themes spanning economic and tourism benefits and the cultural and religious significance of Easter.

“It is important to note that Council’s scope under the Act is narrow and many of the concerns raised were outside of what the local policy covers,” Clr Croad said.

“The local policy only determines whether shops may open, and its adoption does not compel any business to open or any worker to work. Employees retain the right to refuse Easter Sunday work under national legislation within the Act, and it is important that businesses understand what their legal obligations are.”

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

“Council’s Long-Term Plan 2024–2034 emphasises economic development, tourism and events, and a predictable operating environment for local business. These are all objectives supported by allowing local choice to open on Easter Sunday.

“We are also in step with the majority of councils around New Zealand with around two thirds opting to allow local choice, as we have today,” Clr Croad said.

The policy is effective immediately. A review is required within five years.

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