Sallies Applaud Rejection of Shop Trading Hours Legislation

The Salvation Army welcomes the decision of Parliament to reject an extension of Shop Trading Hours.

Salvation Army National Director of Social Policy Research Major Campbell Roberts said the defeat of the legislation is good for the New Zealand family. ‘It preserves three-and-a-half days in the year when as many New Zealanders as possible can be free from the necessity to work,’ he said.

‘Based on our work with families experiencing difficulties in their interpersonal relationships, any move that protects the amount of time families have to be together will ultimately be good for New Zealand.’

Major Campbell said that the future social health of New Zealand is dependent on the fostering and protecting of strong relationships with significant others.

‘The rejection of this Bill is a strong message from the New Zealand Parliament that all individuals need ample non-work time to foster their spiritual, cultural, emotional and physical lives.

‘The Salvation Army is delighted by the protection of this important holiday provision,’ said Major Roberts.

ENDS

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