The Dunedin City Council yesterday agreed to put the policy out for public consultation, but it took the vote of Mayor Dave Cull to get that over the line.
The council was split on the issue, with some arguing the city needed to be open for business, no matter what day it was, and others keen to protect the rights of workers to have all of the three and a-half days set aside for holidays.
Decisions on Easter Sunday trading were devolved to councils after the Government amended the Shop Trading Hours Act last year.
Yesterday, a report to the council asked for a decision on an Easter Sunday trading policy, after a request from the Otago Chamber of Commerce to consider one.
Queenstown and Central Otago had adopted such policies, while Invercargill had carried out public consultation but had not adopted a policy.
Chamber chief executive Dougal McGowan spoke to the council before the debate.
He said he supported a staff recommendation it adopt a draft policy and begin a special consultative procedure, though the chamber was neither for nor against it.
The draft policy would allow all shops to open on Easter Sunday, rather than just businesses such as dairies and garden centres.
It would include "right to refuse" provisions, allowing employees to refuse to work on the day without repercussions.
It would not affect restrictions on alcohol sales, which were regulated by a separate Act.
Council community services general manager Simon Pickford said timing was critical for the issue, as singer Ed Sheeran was performing three sell-out concerts next year over the Easter period.
But Cr Aaron Hawkins said he was opposed to the idea of Easter Sunday trading, and moved no further action be taken.
"This is essentially a values-based decision, whether people around this table support having the option of Easter trading, rather than a numbers game at a public hearing that comes down to whoever can muster the most troops, the Chamber of Commerce or the unions."
Cr Damian Newell responded, criticising the "hypocrisy" of not wanting a public voice on the issue.
"It’s like you’re scared it might go against you.
"We need to tell those coming to the city we are open for business."
Cr Christine Garey said she wanted to be a part of "a vibrant city".
"We need to talk to the community and ask them what they think."
Cr Conrad Stedman said the issue of Easter Sunday trading was "like a dirty nappy" that need to be dealt with.
Mr Cull said he would probably come down on the side of not allowing Easter Sunday trading, but he was not comfortable with the idea of not going to the community for its opinion.
Cr Hawkins responded to Cr Newell, saying he put the hypocrisy comment down to "youthful exuberance" on his part.
His motion was put to the vote. A deadlock of seven councillors for and seven against was broken by Mr Cull’s vote against.
Cr Staynes moved the draft plan be adopted and consultation take place, and that passed 10 votes to five.
The month-long consultative procedure will begin on September 4.
