But the chance to open up the retail doors over the entire Easter holiday period will not happen next year as a parliamentary Bill has been delayed.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council is reviewing its Easter Sunday trading laws, which enable certain shops to open in the district on that day.
A parliamentary Bill introduced by Act New Zealand MP Cameron Luxton had been predicted to lead to retail outlets being able to open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday next year.
But the Bill looks unlikely to be passed by Easter next year.
The council review just applies to Easter Sunday. Submissions close at the end of the month.
Wānaka business owner Steve Worley said he would like a review of Good Friday laws too.
"A step forward would be a complete deregulation of Easter trading laws to put New Zealand in line with the rest of the world."
His shop, Wānaka Camera Store, was open on Good Friday this year, and he was able to "do great business" and capitalise on the increased number of people in the area by disregarding the rules.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council is one of six councils in New Zealand that allow all shops to open on Sunday.
In Wānaka, shops such as bookstores and supermarkets have simply ignored the ban, opened up on Good Friday and copped the fine. Queenstown has unrestricted trading on Good Friday.
But despite all shops being allowed to trade on Sundays, they still have to abide by rules governing the supply of alcohol and dining options.
Speight’s Ale House Wānaka owner Roger Gordon said at Easter weekend patrons had to order a meal when they entered his establishment.
They were not allowed to just order a bowl of fries, or a drink at the bar.
"As far as hospitality goes, it’s quite a stressful time for staff — people easily forget each year that the rules are different.
"It just creates a negative atmosphere straight away ... It’s a lot of pressure on staff."
Despite high levels of visitors in the area and the opportunity to serve them, the ale house closed from 3pm-5pm each day over Easter weekend because it was not meal time, Mr Gordon said.
Mr Luxton had wanted his Bill operating by Easter next year.
It was drawn from the ballot in mid-April 2024.
However, an Act Party spokesperson told the Otago Daily Times yesterday the Bill would not be passed before the next Easter holiday.
"Parliament’s order paper, which determines when Bills are read, has gone through a few changes in recent months.
"We are now expecting Cameron’s Bill to have its first reading debate and vote early next year."
Waitaki MP Miles Anderson said he was keen to get the opinion of the people in Wānaka and his wider electorate, as it would go to a conscience vote.
"My feeling is that, so far, there seems to be a lot of people in support of the idea."
By Lauren Pattemore
