Rotorua MP disappointed with Easter Vote - Labour has let down the People of Rotorua

Rotorua MP Todd McClay has said that he is disappointed that his Members bill to allow local communities to choose trading rules for Easter Sundays did not pass first reading in Parliament tonight.

Mr McClay said that the people of Rotorua will be particularly disappointed with this result.

I am shocked that Labour Members of Parliament voted on block not to allow people in Rotorua the chance to send their views to select committee. This is an extremely important issue for Rotorua. As a tourist destination Easter is one of our busiest weekends and only one Labour MP supported this Bill.

I am disgusted that Labour has turned its back on the people of Rotorua. Rotorua will be disappointed that former MP Steve Chadwick was powerless to deliver on her commitment to get Labour support for Easter trading in Rotorua. Mrs Chadwick could not convince one single Labour MPs to vote for Rotorua.

Labour MPs where heavily lobbied by the Trade Unions. This was a free vote and issue of conscience in Parliament. It saddens me that Labour MPs no longer listen to their consciences and instead receive instructions directly from the Unions.

My Bill was about choice. Backing local communities to take responsibility for themselves. Parliaments are places where voters expect to be heard.

The voters of Rotorua have been done a huge disservice by the Labour Party tonight. Labour obviously does not think that the people of Rotorua can decide these issues for themselves.

Parliament has discussed Easter trading many times in the past and we have missed an opportunity to finally settle this issue once and for all tonight.

In my speech I warned Labour MPs not to turn up in Rotorua in 2 years time asking for votes if they did not send this Bill to Select Committee. Today I say to them that after holding the Rotorua seat for 9 years Labour has turned its back on the people of Rotorua. We have been dismissed by the Labour Party and they should be ashamed of themselves.

I will consult with my community over the holiday break and will seek their views on where to from here.

The issue of Easter trading for Rotorua will not go away. The Labour Party has not heard the end of this issue from the people of Rotorua.

Tonight Rotorua might have lost the battle but we have not lost the war.

ENDS

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