Bigger market proposed

LOCAL: Resident Gurpreet Kaur buying local produce at the Rotorua Night Market.

Rotorua's popular night market - enjoyed by thousands most weeks - could be extended by Christmas.

For the last five years, the market has showcased local artwork, crafts, food and produce every Thursday on Tutanekai St, between Pukuatua and Haupapa St.

Now, Rotorua Lakes Council is talking to interested parties to see if there is a demand to extend the market another block towards City Focus.

The council's inner city revitalisation lead advisor Portia McKenzie said no final decisions had yet been made.

"Currently, we're talking with a range of stakeholders to determine how much demand there might be for extending the market another block towards City Focus, how viable it might be, whether it should be just over the summer months, what format it could take, and also listening to any other ideas on offer.

"Over the next few weeks we're hoping to get a good steer about where we could take the night market as a next step in its development. If it is decided to extend its footprint along Tutanekai St, we'd be looking at having those changes in place ahead of Christmas, if at all possible," she said.

Owner of three Tiki Souvenirs, Okja Kim said she had seen the benefit the night market had brought to her Tutanekai St business.

"Between six and seven on Thursday nights we have usually been quite busy, especially during summer but in the winter it still helps," Mrs Kim said. "We stay open until 8pm and think it's been a very, very good idea. It's been helpful for us and has brought more tourists in."

Rotorua Collectors Centre owner Walter Dodd said business on Thursday nights varied.

"It can and it can't do [bring business in], that's retail. But anything I make after 5pm I do attribute it to the markets. I've literally had 14 people in here serving them all, and other nights nothing. There's no set pattern. But you get a lot of tourists in, walking off their dinner, it's been good for me."

Market manager Brigitte Nelson said on a busy night several thousand people attended the markets, which currently run from 5pm to 8pm in winter and for an additional hour in summer.

Rotorua Chamber of Commerce chief executive Darrin Walsh said if given the green light, the night market could prove to be positive for businesses along the proposed extension.

"Personally, I think it would be a positive thing to extend it, the night market certainly attracts visitors."

Mr Walsh said: "What impact it may have on local retailers would really only take effect if they opened and I encourage local retailers on Tutanekai St to do that, it's a captive market, why wouldn't you?"

-Street view, new multi-purpose seating for market, page 2.