To Market, To Market

On the last Saturday of every month Newtown residents go to market, 12-3pm at St Anne’s Church Hall, Emmett Street in Newtown. There they buy, sell, swap and barter anything from food to household appliances and generally have a good time.

Music creates a relaxed atmosphere and people often stay just to listen, hang out and chat with neighbours they may not see very often.

The Newtown People’s Market grew out of concern at the escalating cost of food to local people on low incomes. A group of people explored the impact of this on the Newtown community and interviewed a number of residents. They found there was a need not only for affordable, good quality food, but also for community involvement. Many different cultural communities in Newtown are accustomed to socialising at markets in their countries of origin.

Since the beginning of the year the Market has gained momentum with regular stall holders selling ethnic food – doughnuts, home baking, Thai curry, wontons, spring rolls, spicy cups of Chai, jams and preserves as well as pre-loved clothing, books, jewellery, plants, and fresh fruit and vegetables.

People of all ages from different cultures and backgrounds come to the market, which is held in an ideal place for children to play and run around outside. Inside there is shelter for stallholders and market goers. Soups and hot drinks are winter favourites and organisers are encouraging people to bring their own mugs rather than using throwaway paper cups.

Duncan Holland, one of the organisers says he enjoys the buzz and seeing Newtown residents come along as a regular part of community life.

“It’s great when people support our community and shop here first,” says Holland. “So many people are doing this now. The market has become a part of Newtown’s community culture.”

Currently the market donates unsold fruit and vegetables to migrant and refugee communities in Newtown. Fresh produce is sourced from a supplier in Wellington and organizers are asking people with homegrown or bought surplus to donate it to the market and supplement what is already brought in each month.

“It would be great to see some more locally grown produce sold to the people of Newtown and the rest of Wellington at reasonable prices,” says Holland.

Next market day – Saturday 25th July
For more information and to receive a newsletter contact:
newtownpeoplesmarket@gmail.com

ENDS

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