Weekender: Plans to grow market

The popular Kuirau Park Market on Saturday mornings is about to turn 25 - and tentative plans are on the drawing board to expand its boundaries.

Plans are being made to celebrate the anniversary next Saturday, April 5, to recognise stallholders, organisers and the public who have been the mainstay of the market for the last quarter of a century.

About 3500-4500 people regularly flock to the venue each Saturday to stock up on their fresh vegetables and fruit, grab a haircut or a coffee, or chew the fat with other shoppers.

Rotorua North Rotary Club spokesman Rick Mansell says although it is not exactly clear when the market began, the anniversary will have a few extras involved to mark the occasion.

Stallholders will get a 30 per cent discount on their rental space, and charities will be granted free spots, he says.

There will also be plenty of red and blue balloons being sent skyward, and lots of banners, he says.

The celebrations will also serve as a fundraiser for Rotary club members.

Rick says he is always surprised with how popular the facility is, regardless of the weather and time of year.

"Markets work when there is good weather and tough times," he says.

"But I'm always surprised there are stallholders open on some of the roughest days."
Up to 80 stallholders can be on-site during a good day, and about 20-30 in the middle of winter.

Once markets become established, they develop a loyal and regular customer base who return each week, he says.

He estimates on good days, when the sun is shining, about 4500 people are buying produce, looking to buy, or just meeting others.

The market's popularity has prompted Rotary North to canvass Rotorua District Council to allow more space.

However discussions with council over future plans are still on-going, he says.

The market sells a wide range of products and services - from free-range organic eggs to personal massages - but draws the line at alcohol and drug paraphernalia.

Stallholders have autonomy over their business and any disputes are settled between the stallholders themselves, Rick says.