Night market
A bustling Palmerston North Christmas market is becoming more popular by the year as hundreds grab their chance to nab a festive bargain.
A bustling Palmerston North Christmas market is becoming more popular by the year as hundreds grab their chance to nab a festive bargain.
The Magic of Christmas Night Market started 3pm yesterday, with the main rooms of the Awapuni Racecourse’s Function Centre filling up almost immediately.
Event manager Kylie Grimmer said environmentally friendly products were high on the wish lists of those streaming in, something that wasn’t such a focus when the market started five years ago.
As demand increased, the event had also got on board by using reusable shopping bags, she said.
People had more variety and new products to look forward to this year, as Grimmer invited businesses from across the North Island to take part.
Wellington resident Nicole Cosgrove made the trip up to sell handmade bird feeders.
A regular stall holder at Wellington’s Underground Market, Cosgrove wanted to broaden her horizons as interest in environmentally friendly products increased, she said.
‘‘The tide has turned and everyone is interested in watching [birds] and looking after them. They are certainly more aware.’’
Cosgrove started making wire feeders when she brought a small piece of land in the middle of the bush. ‘‘I was playing with some chicken wire one day and thought ‘they make great shapes’.’’
Palmerston North resident June Nicklin discovered a passion for using natural body oil when she was pregnant and didn’t want to use lotions with chemicals.
She was selling her products at the market for the first time after starting her brand, Matiu Dispensary, in November.
The body oils are environmentally friendly, cruelty free and she uses as little plastic as possible.
Nicklin also tried to source ingredients in New Zealand and promoted a natural way of treating skin, she said.
‘‘It’s about pro-aging, not antiaging.’’
Shoppers Helen Goodwin and Cornelia Garrood liked that many of the products were New Zealand made.
‘‘The skill and the talent of the stall holders is great,’’ Goodwin said.
Other products at the 180-stall market included soy candles, beeswax food wraps, natural make-up and New Zealand-made baby clothes. The market is on again from 3pm to 10pm today.