Association makes submission on Shop Trading Hours

The New Zealand Retailers Association recently filed a submission on the report on proposals for change to the shop trading hours legislation.  The current Act was passed in 1990 and there have been many changes to retailing since then.

The full submission will be posted on this site when it is released by the Commerce Select Committee.

Government set up the working group to review recent proposals for change and to make recommendations on amendments to the law.  The Group's report was released by the Minister in July. Submissions were requested to assist the Select Committee to make recommendations to Parliament on amending legislation.  A copy of the report can be downloaded from www.ers.dol.govt.nz.

The Association strongly promoted formation of the working group and was represented on it.  Other groups represented included consumers, unions and local government.

Recommendations were made to facilitate shops opening on Easter Sunday, either without restriction or by territorial local authorities determining local rules.  Provision was made for staff required to work  on the day and also to protect leaseholders from being forced to open against their will.  Several other changes were recommended to update the law to recognise changes in trading patterns since 1990.  No change was recommended to the other days on which shops are required to be closed - Christmas Day, Good Friday and ANZAC day before 1pm.

The Association's submission generally supported the recommendation to allow all shops to open on Easter Sunday only.  It recognised that there was a case for some protection for staff who were not previously required to work on this day, but stressed that retailers must be able to engage the staff they need to operate safely and effectively.  The other changes were strongly supported.

For further information on issues affecting shop trading hours, contact Cliff Daly or Barry Hellberg on 04 472 3733 or email helpline@retail.org.nz.