Hāwera market offers range of items and is popular with shoppers

Peter Johnston says the Hawera market gives shoppers something different.

Whether you want crystals, handmade clothes, fresh baking or a leather bracelet, there is likely to be something to catch your interest at the Hāwera market, says Peter Johnston.

Peter is the organiser of the Hāwera market, which takes place twice a month over the warmer months of the year.

"We will have two markets in March, then take a break until we start again in September."

Peter says the market offers shoppers "something different" while giving sellers the chance to show their wares at a regular weekday market.

"Most of the sellers have stalls on the weekends at various events and markets, so having something on a Thursday is a bit different."

Peter, who himself has a stall selling crystals, essential oils and more, says when he started setting up the market two years ago, "there were no shops in Taranaki selling crystals".

A market stall seemed to be the obvious answer, he said, and the shoppers soon came.

"We've got a good crowd here, the sellers and the buyers, everyone enjoys it, and it is nice for people to be able to come and have a look at the stalls while they are in town."

Stallholders are carefully vetted, says Peter.

"We don't have any MLM (multi level marketing) items allowed, no second-hand stuff and nothing you could just as easily find in a dollar shop somewhere. Everything needs to be quality and unique."

The next market will take place in Hāwera in the town square on March 14.