Trading on Easter Sunday
Only shops selling certain goods can legally trade on Easter Sunday in Auckland.
These include:
- service stations
- dairies
- restaurants
- cafes
- take-away food
- duty-free stores
- garden centres
- shops on Parnell Road from 10am-6pm due to an exemption granted under Section 18(2) of the Shop Trading Hours Act (1977).
The following types of shops are not legally allowed to open for trade on Easter Sunday and could be liable for a fine up to $1000 for trading on Easter Sunday:
- shopping malls
- supermarkets
- clothing retailers
- appliance, computer and electronics shops
- homeware shops
- sports and recreation equipment shops.
Please contact Employment New Zealand on 0800 20 90 20 with any queries or complaints in relation to Easter Sunday trading.
Working on Easter Sunday
Easter Sunday is not a public holiday.
If you are working on Easter Sunday you will be paid your normal rate - not time and a half or a paid day off (time in lieu).
You can refuse to work on Easter Sunday without giving a reason. If you receive unfair treatment for refusing to work, you can take a personal grievance.
You must follow specific processes if you are:
- an employer wanting a shop employee to work on Easter Sunday
- a shop employee who does not wish to work on Easter Sunday.
For more information on the rights of employees and employers, see: