Community best part of market

• Published date: 17 April 2024
• Author: Grace Odlum
• Publication title: Kapiti News

There were a lot of problems with that arrangement though

Stallholders were arguing with each other over the available space, and just before Covid hit, new government regulations were implemented, meaning local markets had to abide by national standards.

Rob Noble-Beasley, who sells homemade olive oil at the market, was one of those original stallholders, and he said it was clear something had to change.

A committee was formed to regularise membership and organise the market’s operations, and Rob was elected chairman.

From that point on, the Waikanae Community Market as we know it was born.

The market aimed to provide opportunities for the Kāpiti community to raise funds, promote projects, and advertise facilities within a market atmosphere.

They quickly gained a renewable lease on a section of Waikanae Park to hold weekly markets, a licence to occupy and trade, and a Memorandum of Understanding which was signed by both members of the committee and council representatives.

Now, the market has a subscription-type service which means people can pay a yearly fee and have a guaranteed spot each week at the market.

They also have spots allocated for casual stallholders and fundraisers, and if a regular stallholder doesn’t attend their spot is also given to a casual.

Levi Milldove is one of the regular stallholders.

He runs the Oxford Fresh produce stall, which supports local Horowhenua and Kāpiti growers that he said, “don’t get airtime with supermarkets”.

Levi has been selling at the market since September of 2021 and never looked back.

For him, the best part of the market is the community aspect.

“You get to speak with the consumer directly and offer them ideas and recipes.”

Getting onto that personal level with his customers is what he likes, and he said it really puts the community into community market.

“It’s about the personal touch, where you know Mrs Jones and Mrs Smith and they come back every week.

“And they look after you and you look after them.”

“It’s about putting the community in community market.”

The community aspect is Kylie Hogarth’s favourite part of the market too.

Kylie is fondly known as Waikanae Community Market’s “Bacon and Egg Lady” and has been selling her bacon and egg sandwiches there since “the dark ages”.

She said there’s a good connection between the customers and stallholders, and some of her regulars get “a bit grumpy” when she’s not there.

“I think it’s like a real community.”

Carol and John Hutchings, who have been selling...