New Plymouth farmers market shortlisted for Organicnz award
The Taranaki Farmers Market in New Plymouth has been recognised as one of the best in the country.
The event, which is held at Huatoki Plaza every Sunday, has been shortlisted as a finalist for the Organicnz Farmers Market of the Year award.
The nomination comes after the board of the Taranaki Farmers Market Trust put significant effort into improving the market, chairperson Carl Freeman said.
“We’re working hard to create a farmers market where locals and visitors can support our wealth of vibrant local small businesses and access fresh, locally grown and produced food.”
A key step in this process was the commissioning of a recent survey in partnership with Te Puna Umanga Venture Taranaki, the regional development agency.
The survey sought public feedback to understand how the market could maximise its future success as a community event, with the aim of growing visitor and stallholder numbers.
Respondents were asked a range of questions including how they travelled to the market, how long they visited for, and open questions about what could be improved.
More than 350 responses were received, which resulted in valuable insights into how the market could improve in the coming years, Freeman said.
“Thank you to everyone who has supported the market and given feedback.
“We’re excited to continue working with Venture Taranaki, the New Plymouth District Council, stallholders, customers, and the wider community to implement the recommendations found in the report and to take the market to the next level.”
The food and fibre sector is a strategic focus area for Venture Taranaki, which has been providing the trust with strategic advice and guidance over the past year.
In a statement, Stacey Hitchcock, the agency’s general manager of investment, said the market was an essential platform for local producers.
“The market is a place where new and emerging food businesses can test their product, meet customers, and generate income to support their continued growth.
“We also believe that a vibrant market has an important role to play as a regional tourism asset, having the potential to promote the depth and diversity of Taranaki’s product offering.”
Votes for the Organicnz Farmers’ Market of the Year award can be submitted online at organicnz.org.nz/organic-week/farmers-market-of-the-year.