Editorial: Market revamp delights

It was a breath of fresh air to turn the corner into Tutanekai St and have all my senses hit at once. Photo / Ben Fraser

Wow, how incredible was that celebration in Rotorua's inner city last night?

With music wafting into the newsroom and colleagues coming back raving about the new extended night market, I couldn't resist sneaking out for 10 minutes to see it for myself.

After the council dramas of the day and so much negativity from some quarters about changes to the inner-city, it was a breath of fresh air to turn the corner into Tutanekai St and have all my senses hit at once.

This was a great council decision.

All around me was an example of a city I want to live in.

Young, old, locals, tourists all kicked back on brightly coloured beanbags, chatting and laughing as they sampled from the wide range of food stalls.

A band of primary-school aged children got their moment in the spotlight on a real stage, playing to a packed audience. Behind them, empty space and bright sunshine beaming through what was once the City Focus.

There was even a family on their bikes, stopping off for a bite and some entertainment, before carrying on along the Green Corridor. Just the one I admit, but an encouraging sight nonetheless.

I don't know how much the funky orange and green beanbags or the strips of astro turf under them cost.

Frankly I don't really care, as long as they were within reason. The look and atmosphere of the market last night rivalled that of any city in the world I have been in.

Change is happening in this city, whether we like it or not.

And if the new market gave any indication of what our city centre can be, I look forward to seeing what comes next.