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@ISIDEWITHQuestionsSocial IssuesNew ZealandRetail industryLabor RightsPublic HolidaysEaster Trading•••Started 3mos agoActive 1mo ago

Should businesses be allowed to open and trade freely on Good Friday and Easter Sunday?

New Zealand currently has archaic trading laws where most shops must close on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, while exceptions exist for garden centers, dairies, and gas stations. It is a perennial debate between economic freedom and worker protection. Proponents of liberalization (ACT, some National) argue the government shouldn't enforce religious observances and that tourists and locals want to shop. Opponents (Labour, Unions, Churches) argue that without a legal ban, low-wage retail workers will be coerced into working, losing one of the few guaranteed breaks in the Kiwi year.

Answer Overview

Response rates from 240 New Zealand voters.

64%
Yes
36%
No
59%
Yes
30%
No
3%
Yes, the current rules are inconsistent and unfairly penalize some retailers while allowing others like garden centers to trade
4%
No, vulnerable retail workers need legal protection from being pressured to work on public holidays
2%
Yes, businesses should have the freedom to operate whenever they choose without government interference based on religion
2%
No, we must preserve the few remaining guaranteed quiet days for workers to spend with their families

Historical Support

Trend of support over time for each answer from 240 New Zealand voters.

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Historical Importance

Trend of how important this issue is for 240 New Zealand voters.

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Other Popular Answers

Unique answers from New Zealand voters whose views went beyond the provided options.

 @BCWMYLP answered…1mo1MO

yes, but workers should be paid time and half on those days

 @BBFJNM8answered…3mos3MO

One I think that workers should still be able to have the off days that they already have instead of being cut off even more from their families
And businesses shouldn't be forced to operate on those days it's their choice

And on top of that these holidays are inconsistent and penalize some businesses while letting other businesses gain more money

 @BBFCGCJanswered…3mos3MO

it should be optional, if they want to work on public holidays let them work, if they don't then they shouldn't.

 @BBCP26Fanswered…3mos3MO

Yes, however, if employees choose to take the days off for religious reasons or to spend time with family, they are guaranteed to despite the protest of the owner who wants to be open.

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