WELLINGTON An attempt to allow local councils to decide if shops should be able to open on Easter Sunday has failed. Rotorua MP Todd McClays private members bill was defeated 62-59 at its first reading in a conscience vote in December.

Mr McClay argued that exemptions that allow stores in certain tourist areas to open on Easter Sunday while shops in nearby cities are forced to remain closed were unfair. In particular, he argued it was unreasonable for shops in Rotorua, his electorate, to be closed while Taupo stores could open.

Caritas Aotearoa New Zealand, the Catholic agency for justice, peace and development, had spoken out against the bill, as had unions.