Lots on offer at Hinuera market

There will be plenty of fresh produce and Kiwi ingenuity at the second Hinuera Country Farmers’ Market on Saturday.

Close to 60 stallholders will be selling locally grown fruit, vegetables and flowers, as well as New Zealand-made crafts, collectibles and antiques.

Organiser Graeme Lee said he started the market to support local enterprises, most of which are single owner-operated.

‘‘When it comes down to community, we are all Kiwis and we love the country,’’ said Mr Lee.

‘‘It’s going to be supporting local infrastructure and helping those smaller grass roots enterprises.’’

The market has also helped to revive Hinuera Community Hall and Mr Lee hoped it would lead to further renovations of the historic building.

‘‘At the first market there was one senior resident who was talking about the local soldiers marked on the war memorial there, who had fought and died for New Zealand.

‘‘The hall is an important part of Hinuera’s history.’’

Mr Lee is funding the start-up of the market and plans to hand it over to the Matamata community as a fundraising asset once it is established.

Proceeds would be injected back into local schools and organisations, he said.

Markets will be held on the third and fourth Saturday of each month at the Hinuera Community Hall on State Highway 29.