People enjoy sitting down for a bite to eat and a catch-up with each other. Photo / Shauni James
People enjoy sitting down for a bite to eat and a catch-up with each other. Photo / Shauni James
Food businesses were kept on their toes and business owners were kept chatting as the bustling new indoor market called Markets Twelve 21 opened its doors to the community.
There was a group gathered around the front doors, eagerly awaiting the chance to explore inside on Saturday morning.
The openingribbon was cut by Rotorua Lakes Councillor Dr Reynold Macpherson, followed by a cheer and clapping.
The new market was bustling as people roamed around the businesses and sat down to enjoy both food and entertainment.
Markets Twelve 21 - named for its location at 1221 Pukuatua St - is a 52-stall market and community space offering small businesses affordable rates, electricity, Wi-Fi, and free monthly marketing campaigns.
Market-goers check out the range of food on offer. Photo / Shauni James
She said when you walked into the market it wasn't a commercial feeling that you got - "there's a feeling of belonging".
"Our small businesses, I owe it all to them. They had a dream and they've realised that dream."
On Friday there was a pre-launch event, and Haira said there was a full house showing support for the small businesses.
She said it was a successful and teary event, and had been a taste of what was to come on Saturday morning.
"It showed how many people want to see our businesses succeed."
Haira said within the next six to 12 months she wanted to see a further 25 small businesses operating and by 2023 100 businesses operating out of Markets Twelve 21.
Candice Kanapu is the owner of Lordes Clothing, selling clothes she had made and designed herself.
She said she was really happy the market was now open and it felt amazing.
"It's been a really great turnout and I'm happy with the overall outcome."
Kanapu said Lordes was an acronym for "Love Our Rangatahi - Drive, Encourage, Succeed".
This was because she wanted to dedicate the clothing to kids who were not in good environments.
"I wanted to dedicate my clothing line to them and show they are never forgotten.
"Proceeds of what we make go towards filling community cupboards with essentials."
Candice Kanapu, owner of Lordes Clothing, among her creations at the market. Photo / Shauni James
Helen English is also one of the local artists with her business - Helen English Artist - operating from the market.
She was selling her creative arts and crafts, which included NZ birds in watercolour on printables, upcycled jeans transformed into bags, glass cases, and key rings.
"I've got lots of ideas of where to go from here.
"I like the communal atmosphere in here, and yet I also have my own little corner of the world."
She encouraged people to come along to Markets Twelve 21 and have a look around.
"With so many amazing people involved in this place I really hope that it becomes an amazing market where people can come, sit down, connect with each other, and give smaller businesses a chance."
Rotorua Lakes Councillor Dr Reynold Macpherson cutting the ribbon, surrounded by the business owners. Photo / Shauni James
Rotorua's Te Rina Ritete was one of the many people browsing at the market.
She said it was great having a permanent place where you could get a taste of foods from different ethnic groups, along with a place artists could showcase their craft instead of just online.
"It's great for local artists to have somewhere they can express their art in person."
