Local Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy is under review

The Grey District Council is currently reviewing its Local Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy and we want to hear from you.

This policy allows shops that are not automatically exempt under national legislation (such as clothing stores, hardware stores, homeware retailers, service station, takeaway, restaurant, bar, duty free, shops providing services only, real estates agencies, pharmacies, garden centres, shops at exhibition spaces and souvenir shops) to open on Easter Sunday if they choose. It’s about providing businesses with the freedom to trade, and customers with the option to shop on this day.

Why Now?

The current Policy was first adopted in 2017 and is legally required to be reviewed every five years. It officially lapsed in March 2024, which means non-exempt shops have been trading without formal protection for two Easter Sundays. While government enforcement is unlikely, the lack of a current policy leaves business owners in a grey area. Something we aim to fix.

We're proposing to reinstate the existing Policy without changes, as we believe it’s working well for our community. However, we want to make sure your voice is heard before any final decisions are made.

Your Input Matters

Before the Policy can be adopted, we’re required to carry out a Special Consultative Procedure under the Local Government Act 2002. This means we're now formally inviting public feedback.

Submissions close on 30 September 2025

Whether you're a business owner, employee, or a local resident with views on Easter Sunday trading, your opinion counts.


What Happens Next?

Once consultation closes, Council will consider all feedback before deciding whether to adopt the Policy as proposed, amend it, or take a different approach.


How to submit

Residents are strongly encouraged to have a say on this matter before the Council take a final decision. All submissions must be in writing. We will accept submissions in the following formats:

  • Click submission below to submit on line
  • Email submission to submissions@greydc.govt.nz
  • Written submissions posted to Grey District Council, PO Box 382, Greymouth or
  • Hand delivered to 105 Tainui Street, Greymouth

If you wish to speak in support of your submission, please clearly indicate this is your submission. Speakers will be heard prior to the meeting held on 28 October 2025.

Every submission made to the Council will be acknowledged in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002, copied and made available to the public.

The Grey District Council is currently reviewing its Local Easter Sunday Shop Trading Policy and we want to hear from you.

This policy allows shops that are not automatically exempt under national legislation (such as clothing stores, hardware stores, homeware retailers, service station, takeaway, restaurant, bar, duty free, shops providing services only, real estates agencies, pharmacies, garden centres, shops at exhibition spaces and souvenir shops) to open on Easter Sunday if they choose. It’s about providing businesses with the freedom to trade, and customers with the option to shop on this day.

Why Now?

The current Policy was first adopted in 2017 and is legally required to be reviewed every five years. It officially lapsed in March 2024, which means non-exempt shops have been trading without formal protection for two Easter Sundays. While government enforcement is unlikely, the lack of a current policy leaves business owners in a grey area. Something we aim to fix.

We're proposing to reinstate the existing Policy without changes, as we believe it’s working well for our community. However, we want to make sure your voice is heard before any final decisions are made.

Your Input Matters

Before the Policy can be adopted, we’re required to carry out a Special Consultative Procedure under the Local Government Act 2002. This means we're now formally inviting public feedback.

Submissions close on 30 September 2025

Whether you're a business owner, employee, or a local resident with views on Easter Sunday trading, your opinion counts.


What Happens Next?

Once consultation closes, Council will consider all feedback before deciding whether to adopt the Policy as proposed, amend it, or take a different approach.


How to submit

Residents are strongly encouraged to have a say on this matter before the Council take a final decision. All submissions must be in writing. We will accept submissions in the following formats:

  • Click submission below to submit on line
  • Email submission to submissions@greydc.govt.nz
  • Written submissions posted to Grey District Council, PO Box 382, Greymouth or
  • Hand delivered to 105 Tainui Street, Greymouth

If you wish to speak in support of your submission, please clearly indicate this is your submission. Speakers will be heard prior to the meeting held on 28 October 2025.

Every submission made to the Council will be acknowledged in accordance with the Local Government Act 2002, copied and made available to the public.