Retail NZ has called for a review of outdated laws that ban many shops opening over Easter while giving others an unfair competitive advantage.

Retail NZ CEO, Mark Johnston, said the retail body plans to write to the Government to request changes to laws, with a view to implementing this by Easter 2016.

“Shopping is a huge family pastime for many New Zealanders,” said Johnston.

“Many New Zealanders want to be able to go shopping over the long Easter weekend, but at present many shops are banned from opening by Government regulation. In 2015, when people can shop 24/7 over the Internet, the regulations really don’t make sense, and it’s time they were reviewed.

“Not only is the current law outdated, but it’s filled with exemptions that render it meaningless. A corner dairy can open, but not a supermarket. You can go shopping in Queenstown or Taupo, but not Wanaka or Rotorua. A shop can be filled with workers packing internet orders but it can’t open the front door to the public. None of these restrictions make sense in 2015.”

Despite Johnston’s views, he says he understands that not everyone wants to shop or work over public holidays such as Easter.

“In 2015, people expect to make the best choices to suit their personal needs. I’m not saying every shop must open, that everyone must shop, or that everyone must work, but if people want to, why should the Government get in the way?”