Night market back in business
Wha¯naungatanga, or building relationships through connections, is at the heart of the philosophy driving the Waitara Night Market.
While food, stalls and live music are there for people to enjoy, the deeper value of the event, which is in its third year, lies in bringing together the town’s residents and resources, organisers say.
Today marks the first Waitara Night Market for the year, with three more to follow, including a bumper market on Waitangi Day 2020.
It will be the first time in recent memory that an event will be held in Waitara on New Zealand’s national day.
George Rapana, who is part of the organising committee, said thousands turned up to the very first market night and it had enjoyed continuous support ever since.
It was that very backing which saved the market from being cancelled this year, due to the demand of other commitments on the organisers’ time.
‘‘We were actually going to fold.’’
However, when news of this possibility got out, new people came forward to assist, which has breathed life into the event.
‘‘It’s just ignited it again,’’ Rapana said. ‘‘We all think this is a really positive kaupapa for us to roll with.’’
Tiri Porter, who helps with the market’s administration, said it was a community-led initiative. ‘‘That’s its strength.’’
She said the event created a time for residents of the town to come together but it was also about connecting with other services, organisations and clubs already operating in the community.
Porter believed the Waitangi Day market will be a special occasion too.
‘‘It has been a long time coming.’’
Rapana agreed and said kotahitanga was another core concept driving the market organisers.
‘‘For us it’s about bringing the community together.’’
Today’s market starts from about 5pm and runs to 8pm at the
Whai Tapuwae No¯ Rongo complex, opposite Waitara High School, on Princess St.
About 30 stallholders have signed up to take part.