As we are approaching Easter again, a number of shops are getting ready to break the law and trade on Good Friday, despite not being allowed to.
At present the law is terribly inconsistent. Certain types of shops (generally restaurants, petrol stations, etc.) can be open. Other touristy shops in some areas can open. In one notable example, there are two pharmacies next door to each other in Wanaka. One can open legally, as it also develops photos (and so is touristy enough for the Department of Labour), but the other was prosecuted last year.
Both Steve Chadwick and Jacqui Dean have members bills in the ballot to legalise trading during Easter - a move I support despite being a Christian. I don't see why the state should legislate to remove the rights of private business owners from opening when they choose. If the population were opposed to trading during Easter then the answer is simple - don't go to the shops! If no-one went to the shops, then they obviously wouldn't open.
If one of these bills were drawn from the ballot it would be very interesting. In the last Parliament, Rodney Hide's bill to achieve a similar affect was voted down narrowly by 57 votes to 61. There were 18 Labour MPs in favour of the bill (I assume that Steve Chadwick was one of them, but Hansard doesn't record the names), and 10 National MPs opposed. If it came up again it would again be very close, but I suspect it would pass.hack magic iso 5.1
At present the law is terribly inconsistent. Certain types of shops (generally restaurants, petrol stations, etc.) can be open. Other touristy shops in some areas can open. In one notable example, there are two pharmacies next door to each other in Wanaka. One can open legally, as it also develops photos (and so is touristy enough for the Department of Labour), but the other was prosecuted last year.
Both Steve Chadwick and Jacqui Dean have members bills in the ballot to legalise trading during Easter - a move I support despite being a Christian. I don't see why the state should legislate to remove the rights of private business owners from opening when they choose. If the population were opposed to trading during Easter then the answer is simple - don't go to the shops! If no-one went to the shops, then they obviously wouldn't open.
If one of these bills were drawn from the ballot it would be very interesting. In the last Parliament, Rodney Hide's bill to achieve a similar affect was voted down narrowly by 57 votes to 61. There were 18 Labour MPs in favour of the bill (I assume that Steve Chadwick was one of them, but Hansard doesn't record the names), and 10 National MPs opposed. If it came up again it would again be very close, but I suspect it would pass.hack magic iso 5.1
Comments
If you're really interested, you can get names through a request for information act. There is also a database.I don't actually do either of those things, so am not sure on the process.BTW, we should make a plan for Wednesday Lunch.hack magic iso 5.1
They aren't necessarily available. The standing orders were only changed just before the last election to require parties casting a split party vote to lodge a list of exactly who was in favour and who was opposed.Prior to that (when this bill was rejected), they did not have to indicate it in any way - the whips simply cast the votes as a block. Sometimes they would subsequently table the list, but not always.Not that I really care in this instance though, but I very much doubt it's available via the OIA.hack magic iso 5.1