The Thames-Coromandel Council have approved a new Easter Trading Policy which allows shops to trade on Easter Sunday.

In total, 40 submissions were received during the consultation period which ran from December 16 of last year up until January 27.

Significant support was shown for the policy with 28 submissions in favour of Easter Sunday trading, of which four submitters made submissions on behalf of multiple businesses, and only 12 against it.

Reasons provided by those in favour of the policy including giving business owners and operators greater financial security, providing services to tourists and visitors, plus the benefits to locals and visiting customers.

Submitters in favour of the policy also noted their support for employees to not work on Easter Sunday, in line with the exemptions provided for in the Shop Trading Hours Act.

A TCDC spokesperson says the issues raised in opposition to the policy, such as it being a day for family, religious observance and protection of worker rights, are adequately protected by the Act or by the exercise of personal choice.

'This policy will not force any retailers to open, but provides for those who do want to trade on Easter Sunday to be able to do so and is at the discretion of the individual business owners.

'Our council cannot define specific opening hours, or determine what types of retailers may open. It is important to note that this policy does not control or override shop trading provisions in other legislation, such as restrictions made under the Sale and Supply of Alcohol Act 2012.”

Employees have the ability to refuse to work on Easter Sunday without providing a reason to their employer.

This year Easter Sunday falls on April 16.

More information for employers and employees on Easter trading is available at www.employment.govt.nz

For more information or to read the Easter Trading Policy in full visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/eastertrading