Easter trading law change to boost New Zealand tourism

Industry body Tourism Industry Aotearoa believes that New Zealand’s new Easter Sunday trading law will benefit both the tourism industry and local economies.

Tourism Industry Aotearoa (TIA) has long advocated for Easter trading laws to be liberalised, and is welcoming the law change allowing councils to decide whether shops in their areas can trade on Easter Sunday.

TIA Chief Executive Chris Roberts advised that many TIA members wish to have the option of opening their businesses at Easter, particularly when major events are being held in their region, such as the Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow.

Roberts explained “these events can attract thousands of visitors but the previous legislation meant they could not visit local shops, depriving the business community of the benefits of these events.”

However, TIA would have preferred a national rule, rather than leaving it up to 67 councils to decide when and where shops will open.

Roberts added “our visitors move quickly between regions and finding shops open in some places and not others does not create the seamless experience that visitors are looking for and that the tourism industry wishes to deliver.

“A national approach would provide certainty for everyone, so TIA will be closely monitoring the development of bylaws around the country. We will continue to advocate for the best possible experience for both international visitors and New Zealand holidaymakers.”

Click here to read TIA’s submission on the Shop Trading Hours Amendment Bill.

Image: Crowds at the Warbirds Over Wanaka event.

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