From August 2016, territorial authorities (city and district councils) can put in place local policies that allow shops within their area, or parts of it, to trade on Easter Sunday.

All shop employees have the right to refuse work on Easter Sunday without giving a reason to their employer.

A shop opening for business on Easter Sunday in an area where there is no local policy in place (and no exemption from shop trading restrictions or ability to open with conditions) will be in breach of shop trading restrictions.

Far North District Council has made a policy that shop trading is permitted on Easter Sunday in the whole of the Far North District.

The Whangarei District Council has decided not to make a policy for 2017 and will revisit again in 2018.