Wanaka retailers, like most throughout the country, are not legally allowed to open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday.
Queenstown is an exception because it is a tourist town, and Wanaka retailers have argued they should be treated in the same way.
Many have opened illegally in the past and the same appears likely to happen again.
Six main-street retailers spoken to by the Otago Daily Times yesterday indicated they would open tomorrow and Sunday, and they were prepared to risk prosecution and a $1000 fine.
New owner of 47 Frocks Brydon Smallbone said her winter stock had arrived in time for Easter and she would remain open, to cater for out-of-town visitors in particular.
''We don't want to disappoint our customers.''
Ms Smallbone said if Wanaka businesses were not open, customers would simply travel to Queenstown instead, and she was willing ''to wear'' a fine if necessary.
The chances of anyone being prosecuted were unclear yesterday.
Asked if the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment would be sending an inspector to Wanaka, communications adviser Ella Zaykova said: ''Unfortunately, we cannot give advance details of our enforcement activities.''
Last Easter, Wanaka businesses were reportedly tipped off that no inspector would check on them.
Most opened, and the ministry took no prosecutions under the Shop Trading Hours Repeal Act 1990.
It was reported after Easter last year the ministry had decided to act only when a complaint was laid.
Waitaki MP Jacqui Dean has campaigned unsuccessfully since 2008 to change the law to allow more exemptions.
Mrs Dean said yesterday she was continuing to lobby ministers and was hopeful of seeing some progress later this year.
''In contemplating bringing a third Bill into the House, it would be good to think that all those members who are calling for support for the regions would also back my Easter trading Bill.''
Mrs Dean said she still had the option of introducing a local Bill ''just for Wanaka''.
''But I'd really like to fix this for the whole of New Zealand.''
