Both of Wānaka’s New World stores have been fined in the Christchurch District Court for  violating Shop Trading Hours Act 1990 by opening on Good Friday last year.

By law, shops must be closed on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and until 1pm on ANZAC Day unless exempted.

New World Wānaka and New World Three Parks had also opened on Good Friday in 2021, Labour Inspectorate regional manager Loua Ward said, and they were sent warning letters by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) before Good Friday 2022.

“Despite MBIE reminding the two stores and Foodstuffs South Island Chief Executive in early April 2022, the two stores opened on Good Friday, which was against the law,” Loua said.

The New World stores are part of the Foodstuffs South Island co-operative.

“As a leader and major employer in the retail sector, it is extremely disappointing to see a prominent group like Foodstuffs South Island’s having two owner/operators blatantly choosing to ignore their legal responsibilities and focus on profit making,” Loua said.

“By comparison, Foodstuffs North Island Co-operative and Countdown were both responsible corporate citizens who complied with the law.” 

Foodstuffs head of public relations Emma Wooster told the Wānaka App the two New Worlds in Wanaka “wanted to play their part in serving the community and visitors over the Easter holidays”. 

“The motivation to open the two stores was not profit driven, but a desire to contribute to the community by enabling visitors to buy essential groceries - and have a great experience in this beautiful town, which would benefit the whole community in the longer-term,” she said.

The stores were both fined $750 for the violation.

PHOTO: Wānaka App