Father Christmas received an enthusiastic welcome at the market. Photo Sue Emeny
Hundreds of visitors descended on the tiny village of Weber on Sunday to attend a Christmas market.
The market, held for the first time last year, was organised by Trudy Hales who came up with the idea to invite people into rural communities to see what the people living in these areas have to offer.
It's an opportunity for local people who are largely operating their businesses from home to showcase what they create.
Hales was delighted with the success of the day.
"We had hundreds of people through the gate. It was a brilliant day, sunny and warm, and really busy again for our stallholders."
Among the goods on offer were plants, beauty products, candles, wooden goods, locally grown walnuts, soaps, paper craft, Christmas ornaments, clothing, knitting, soft furnishings, jewellery, goods for the home and garden, pet beds, food and drinks coffee and even bags of kindling.
"Among the offerings, the local paua burgers and the array of largely handmade and locally produced goods were a hit again," Hales said.
In all there were 28 stallholders and, apart from one who was a Weber local but now lives in Mahia, all were from within the region.
"It's so great to see people supporting our little local community and we're excited to see how we can expand and add to the Weber Christmas Market for 2021," Hales said.
Opinion: Molten blobs of scoria pounded the roof.