Māori night market brings community together

Blenheim’s annual Māori Night Market returns this Friday, 21 November, from 4pm to 8pm, offering kai, kapa haka and Christmas shopping while supporting local Māori-owned businesses.

The seventh Te Pataka o Wairau market, organised by Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ngāti Rārua and Rangitāne o Wairau, celebrates local entrepreneurs, cultural performance, community education and the presentation of the annual Local Legend award.

Organisers Dr Lorraine Eade and Jodie Palatchie say the event is all about connection.

“You just walk through this lovely square and reconnect with people. The random catch-ups and the amount of times I hear ‘where have you been, I haven’t seen you in ages’ is really what it’s about,” Lorraine says.

The market also runs a survey competition each year, asking visitors what they love most and what could improve.

“Absolutely everybody loves the kapa haka and they love the kai so much that sometimes the food stall holders run out,” Lorraine says.

To avoid shortages, stallholders have been urged to bring extra supplies. “We’re hoping it’s a huge success for all involved.”

Jodie says organisers wanted to make the event accessible for small businesses.

“It’s tough out there for many of our whānau and their small businesses are important, especially around this time of year,” she says. “We didn’t want fees to be a barrier, so by making it more accessible for people to bring their stalls, they’ll also be making what they’re earning.”

The Local Legend award will be announced at 6pm. Lorraine says keeping the winner a surprise is part of the fun.

“We’ve had to slyly talk to the whānau, get hold of these kids and say ‘we’re giving Dad this award, we need some ammunition – can you make sure he’s here?’” she laughs. “Acknowledging them and their contributions over the years is almost the best part of the event.”