Tasman District and Nelson City councils will be discussing Easter trading policy.

Nelson says no to Easter trading

0
2319

Nelson has followed Tasman’s lead and will not allow Easter trading in the city.

Councillors voted on the issue during today’s full council meeting, with four voting to consult further with the community and Bill Dahlberg abstaining. Eight councillors, along with Mayor Rachel Reese, voted to keep the status quo.

The issue of whether to allow trading on Good Friday and Easter Sunday has been debated at councils around the country after parliament sent the issue to councils to decide on.

Reese says she hasn’t detected a strong desire in the community for shops to open during Easter.

“There isn’t a compelling desire for Easter trading. I didn’t have people come to my door with people saying ‘when are you going to do this?’ I don’t see a compelling call coming from our community.”

FIRST Union’s Nelson-based organiser Rachel Boyack says the decision is a “victory for family time”.

“Keeping Easter Sunday shop-free means working people in retail get to spend the day with their family and friends,” said Boyack.