29 September 2016

Inaugural Rotorua Farmers market set for Sunday

A baking competition judged by celebrity Kiwi chef Michael van de Elzen and 25 stallholders will feature at Sunday’s inaugural Rotorua Farmers Market in the central city.

The distinctive wooden barrows from which stallholders will operate were specially made to create a unique atmosphere and fit with Rotorua’s Wood First policy which encourages use of wood products to support the local sector.

Construction of the barrows has been an entirely local undertaking, the timber sourced within the Rotorua district and thermally-modified for natural durability. Thermal modification is a new technology that increases durability and stability, while enhancing a timber’s natural beauty.

Timber for the market barrows has been generously sponsored by locally owned and operated family sawmilling company Donelley Sawmillers, in conjunction with Abodo Wood. Managing Director Aaron Donelley is enthusiastic about the market.

“We are excited at the prospect of this new inner-city initiative and are delighted to have the opportunity to support it by showcasing our local products and capability. The revitalisation of the city will benefit everyone in Rotorua.”

The portable covered market barrows were built by Rotorua joiner and craftsman Colin Hayes of Bespoke Joinery.

The market will be located at the City Focus and confirmed stalls for Sunday (2 October) include Grow Food Instead (herbs, salad greens and vegetables); Good Life Foods (nuts, avocados); Hungarian Artisan (salami); Guidough (patisserie); Pasta Mia (fresh & dried pasta); Front Paddock (asparagus); Ohinemutu Women’s Health League (jams, chutneys & harakeke) and over a dozen more. All the stallholders and their produce come from within 200 kms of Rotorua. There are no middle-men involved, so the farmers are able to talk to the customers about the products they are selling. Local production and direct contact with producers are the backbone of the farmers market philosophy.

“The new Farmers Market was conceived to address increasing demand for an artisan market offering local produce,” Market Manager Brigitte Nelson says.

“We are creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that feels a bit like a traditional European market square, but our wooden barrows with traditional designs will ground the market in our unique local culture.”

As part of the launch of the new weekly event, Sunday’s market will feature a Dutch Apple Cake Baking competition with categories for adults and children. Bring your entry down to the City Focus for judging by celebrity chef Michael van de Elzen.

There will also be a competition for everyone travelling to the Market by bike. Names will go in the draw to win $50 of farmers market money to spend on market produce. Plenty of bike parking will be available on-site.

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