COLIN MacKenzie of Ōhura Botanicals chats to a customer at St Lukes Anglican Church Market Day earlier this month. Photo: Paul Charman.
FOLLOWING six years’ operation, the monthly market day at St Luke’s Anglican Church has become something of a Te Kūiti tradition, church administrator Mary MacNaughton said.
Operating on the first Saturday of the month, the morning market has a backbone of six regular stallholders, though participants can fluctuate up to 12, or even more some months.
The market day was launched at the suggestion of the former owners of the town’s Antiquiti store, Janet and Theo Rogers, after the church’s former vicar, Jekheli Singh, approached them for ideas on establishing a fundraising activity the church could operate.
The couple ran the market day for two years then handed it back for the church to run.
Small businesses and artisans now come in from as far away as Ohura and Pirongia to sell their wares, Mary said.
“Depending on weather, the community has taken it on board, as many feel it’s a very good place to meet up and enjoy seeing some alternative produce and products.
“We provide morning tea and a sausage sizzle as well.
“It really is a good morning out and we’re so grateful to Janet and Theo for getting it started, and we extend our appreciation to them,” Mary said.
