It's likely there will be more open signs on Waihi shop doors this Easter Sunday.

The Hauraki District Council has adopted a new policy giving all retailers in the district the opportunity to sell their wares on the holiday.

'For us, it's all about freedom of choice and consistency,” says Mayor John Tregidga.

'Previously a limited number of shops were allowed to open and others had to turn customers away. Now we have one rule that applies to everyone.”

He says the district sees floods of visitors over Easter weekend and the policy is all about supporting local retailers in making their own business decisions, whether that means opening their doors or choosing to keep them closed.

It's a view shared by many in the community. For similar reasons, the policy was supported by the majority of the 109 people/organisations who provided feedback to the council over the last three months.

Employees are under no legal obligation to work on Easter Sunday and do not have to provide a reason for spending the day at the beach, church, or local cafe, but John says potential pressure on staff to work on the holiday was raised as a concern by some people who provided feedback on the draft policy.

'We certainly have an expectation that employers will respect the rights of their employees in this regard and not put pressure on them to work if they'd rather be somewhere else. We understand the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment will be monitoring this situation too.”

He says it's important both employees and employers understand their rights and obligations in relation to trading on Easter Sunday and that this information can be found in the Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 and on the MBIE website.

Some things to be aware of include the need for at least a month's written notice from employers should they want staff to front up on the day.

Staff can legally decline to work, without giving a reason, but this must be done in writing within 14 days of the employer's written request.

'Overall, we think this a positive move for the district. At the end of the day it's all about choice. Those who don't support Easter Sunday trading can still choose to opt out of it if they wish.”

View the Hauraki District Council Easter Sunday Trading Policy at http://www.hauraki-dc.govt.nz/policies