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McClay delighted Easter Trading Bill Introduced

Thursday, 19 November 2009 1:11 p.m.

McClay delighted that Easter Trading Bill Introduced to Parliament.

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has said that he is delighted his Easter Trading Bill has been drawn from the Members Ballot in Parliament today.

"On the day of our one year anniversary of the National Government, this is fantastic news" he said.

Mr McClay said that the timing of the introduction of his Bill, which will offer Council’s the choice to allow shops to open on Easter Sunday, could not have been better.

“With the first trans-Tasman flights between Rotorua and Sydney scheduled for 12 December the introduction of my Bill will be welcome news to the people of Rotorua.”

Mr McClay said that there was a lot of work to be done however. “Parliament has considered this issue many times over the past 20 years and has previously not made the changes that Rotorua has called for.”

The currently law creates inequalities. Taupö is able to open on Easter Sunday but Rotorua is not. My Bill will address these inequalities and create a more level playing field," Mr McClay said.

“My Bill will provide choice to workers, shopkeepers and shoppers alike. It will not force anyone to do anything that they do not want to on Easter Sunday. It recognises that as the Tourism Capital of New Zealand, Rotorua wants to offer visitors the opportunity to shop on one of our busiest holiday weekends,” Mr McClay said.

Mr McClay said that he would be calling on List MP Steve Chadwick to ensure Labour Party support for this Bill. "It is time that all Parties in Parliament put aside political squabbles and voted for a measure that Rotorua so desperately wants."

Mr McClay also said that he respected the views of those who were not in favour of Easter Trading. He said that his Bill was about choice and he would be engaging with individuals and groups from all sides of this debate.

ENDS

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