Waitara Night Markets an even bigger success
The He Rau Oranga Trust in Waitara grows its night markets once again thanks to a TET grant
Waitara’s He Rau Oranga Trust has completed another year of growth and development as its flagship Night Markets in the town have continued to engage an even wider audience.
The November event was in collaboration with Taranaki Tū Mai that was being hosted in Waitara at the same time. The benefit of a grant from TET was critical in achieving the success. As Chair Tiri Porter noted: “Having a paid Market Co Ordinator for this market helped us immensely to organise the logistics for this evening/afternoon, alongside introducing a selection of 23 food truck trucks and stalls to the community. Most stallholders sold out before 7pm, which was an indication that our stallholders underestimated the amount of people who would attend.”
The December Christmas Market brought out family and friends to the event sharing in the Christmas family atmosphere. This event was held in collaboration with NPDC, to ensure that Waitara continues to host its own unique Christmas lights event, followed by fireworks.
The January Market was moved to the seaside Marine Park venue at West Beach – Otupaiia.
The annual Waitangi ki Whaitara event was also at the Otupaiia, Marine Park, in February. “We choose to commemorate the significant day to enable our community to come together in a positiveand safe atmosphere. Food, Kids activities, youth activities, tug o war, kapahaka, community kōrero, Kanifit with Puna, craft stalls, moko stencils and live entertainment was the main drawcard for the day with at least 2000-3000 people visiting the event throughout the day,” Porter said. There were 34 food trucks and stalls.
The final market was held in March at Owae Marae, North Street, Waitara. “We received positive feedback from the community and Marae Trustees after and during the event, especially the opportunity to view the refurbishment of carvings from Te Ikaroa A Maui, and to dine inside the new wharekai, Ko Tamawahine.”