The union representing retail workers wants a moratorium put on MPs trying to challenge Easter trading laws.
Under the Shop Trading Hours Repeal Act 1990, most shops must remain closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday and until 1pm on Anzac Day.
Exemptions apply for convenience, souvenir and duty free stores, pharmacies and shops in premises where there are bona fide shows or exhibitions.
Shops are allowed to open 361½ days a year in New Zealand and the National Distribution Union says the trading restrictions are not onerous compared with other developed countries.
NDU general secretary Robert Reid says the trading laws are continually under threat, with eight attempts to liberalise them by MPs since 1996.
Mr Reid says Parliament has voted down each of those private members bills and it is a waste of time and money to allow them to keep coming through.
The Retailers Association believes people should have the right to decide for themselves if they open or not.
The association has written to the Prime Minister and the Minister of Labour, saying past members bills have been directed at solving local problems rather than addressing the national issues involved.
Spokesperson Barry Hellberg says Government action is long overdue. He expects many retailers will ignore the requirement not to trade over Easter.
The Department of Labour says any shops that do not have an exemption and fail to comply with the act risk being prosecuted and fined up to $1000.
On Good Friday 22 shops throughout the country were caught trading, the department says. It is considering if any will be prosecuted.
Last year, 19 shops were found open on Good Friday and 19 on Easter Sunday.
