Weekly farmers market proposed for Motueka

May 10th, 2013
[by David Armstrong]

Local business support group Our Town Motueka wants to start a weekly afternoon Farmers Market outside the museum to allow residents to buy fresh, locally grown produce and to showcase our growing region.

OTM's co-ordinator Lori Keller has written to the Motueka Community Board for its meeting next Tuesday asking for the board's written support for the initiative.

The plan that OTM wants to put to the Tasman District Council (local service centre), Parklands School and the museum's Board of Trustees is for a market of about eight to 10 regular stall holders running weekly from mid-November to mid-April (20 weeks).

They suggest Thursday afternoons from 2.30pm to 6.30pm, a time which will not affect access to and operation of the museum and Muses Cafe. The focus would be upon fruit, vegetables, preserves, cheeses, olive oils, fruit juices etc, with no craft stalls or "ready to eat" stalls that may take business away from nearby retailers.

Lori says the aim of the initiative is to "give locals and visitors the opportunity to purchase freshly grown produce in the Motueka CBD", and it will provide "an opportunity for Motueka residents to meet their local food growers and discover what types of produce are available locally, in season". This will "support a stronger, healthier community".

A suggested stall-holder charge of $20 per week would fund the operation's advertising and signage, with any surplus going to OTM's Starlight Parade and Festival of Lights events.

Lori believes that the increased central town foot traffic would benefit the museum, cafes and retailers rather than have any negative impact. This would be because it would begin well after any lunch hour rush.

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Motueka Floral Studio, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel,
Greenwood Active Health, Lynette Mytton, T.O.A.D Hall,