Market forces

One of Auckland's most successful farmers markets, shut down by traffic bylaws, has been revived after grassroots intervention. Sophie Bond reports.
Leanne Holder is wearing one of her own creations and has her carefully hand-painted sign ready for October. For four years, on the first Sunday of every month, she has organised the popular Coatesville Market in the Coatesville Settlers Hall and adjacent reserve.
The market has more than 100 stallholders and upwards of 3000 visitors in summer but a hike in traffic charges led to its closure this winter.
"It was a difficult decision," says Miss Holder, "but I cancelled it to see if there was another way. I'm gutted it's not on because it's my thing."
She needed another way because a change in rules under the new Auckland Council meant running the market required new - more expensive - traffic management.
"I closed the market before it got ruined but a lot of the community emailed [Mayor] Len Brown and Len must have phoned Auckland Transport." She was invited to meet Auckland Transport to discuss how costs could be reduced.
"I was really blown away by what they said and how they loved the market. If I complete a traffic management course myself, and invest in some signs, I can cut the costs by half."
Miss Holder is relieved she'll be able to re-open the market year-round from this October, without worrying about cost.
"In the end, if you speak to the right people, it works," she says, smiling widely.
Mayor Len Brown says one of his priorities is for local identity and flavour to be encouraged. "I am glad we could find a solution for Leanne at the Coatesville Market. I really encourage people to get in touch with their local board members, ward councillors or me. We are keen to hear what you have to say about your local community and keen to help where we can.
"It is important for me to hear from people in different communities across Auckland, be it at civic events; my informal Mayor in the Chair sessions; or via emails; Facebook or tweets.
"It helps me get a better understanding of what Aucklanders are experiencing and what they care about," he says.
Miss Holder has a passion for markets. During 10 years of globe-trotting, she organised markets in New York, Sydney, Tokyo and Spain, and also sold her own handmade clothes. "I moved to Coatesville and there was just no soul here. It needed something. I saw the paddock by the hall and thought, 'It's on'.
"From day one, it was huge, it just worked. It's all local or New Zealand-made product and the surroundings are so nice."
However there have been plenty of challenges. "There are some big people out here who like a nice, quiet lifestyle and you've got to make sure they're okay with everything."
When customers have had their fill and departed, Miss Holder remains for hours, picking up the rubbish, cleaning the toilets and generally making sure everyone is happy. "If you want a job done you do it yourself and I put love into all aspects of it."
Her next project is a performing arts festival in the style of the popular British Glastonbury event. "I've thought about it for a long time and I'd like to do it one January. I think it would be great for Auckland."
Stalled and restarted
Coatesville Market, at the Coatesville Settlers Hall and reserve, will resume on October 2 and open the first Sunday of each month, 10am-2pm.