But the changes, unveiled by Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse on Monday, will only apply to Easter Sunday and not Good Friday.

The Government has just announced its intention to prepare an amendment to the Shop Trading Hours Act Repeal Act 1990 that will enable territorial authorities to allow trading on Easter Sunday in defined areas.

The decision to allow shops and garden centres to stay open will be handed to councils.

However, workers will still have the option of refusing to work.

Only changes to Easter Sunday have been proposed.

Some tourist towns – like Queenstown and Taupo – have been granted exemptions.

LGNZ President Lawrence Yule says by allowing councils to determine, in consultation with their communities whether or not, and if so where, Easter Sunday trading should occur the Bill is a welcome step towards decentralisation and community empowerment.

Workplace relations and safety minister Michael Woodhouse said legislation will be introduced to Parliament within weeks.

He admits the current rules covering shop trading over the Easter period are “complex and relatively arbitrary”.

“The law allows certain shops selling specific items to remain open, while others must close their doors”.

Mr Woodhouse says that’s resulted in some businesses and regions having an unfair advantage over others.

Mr Woodhouse said the law change would also give workers the opportunity to decline to work, with no reason necessary.

“Easter is one of the few guaranteed times that workers in retail can be certain that they will have time off to spend with their families or take part in community or religious activities”, CTU Secretary Sam Huggard said.

The law change is expected to come into effect from Easter 2017.