New market instant hit as families flock to Papamoa

Tanya Austen, 30, from NZFinch is one of the regular stallholders at the Little Big Markets at Papamoa and Mount Maunganui. Photo / Ruth Keber

Residents and visitors enjoying the Bay sunshine at the weekend made the most of a newly formed Papamoa market.

The Little Big Market, which is hugely popular in Mount Maunganui, has branched out into a bi-monthly event in Papamoa.

Little Big Market director Rochelle Duffy said the markets had grown into a year-round gig.

"Our summer season starts in October, and goes through Easter weekend. Then we will go from May until October for the winter season. So we are all year round, however, we have just started the markets out here in Papamoa, but just for the summer time."

Mrs Duffy said the Papamoa extension of the market had been well received in the area with customers venturing from as far as Whakatane, Te Puke and Rotorua.

When she started the first Little Big Market event six years ago she had only 20 stallholders, however, the venture had grown to include 150 stallholders at the Mount this season. There's about 60 stallholders at Papamoa due to size restraints.

Mrs Duffy said people were coming out just for the markets because it was something new and different for families.

"We knew we wanted to do something in Papamoa as it is screaming out for things."

Little Big Market stallholder Tanya Austen said this was her fourth year with the markets.

The 30-year-old had moved down to the Bay from Auckland and wanted to continue her brand NZFinch.

Mrs Austen said she had done really well with her stall and had built up a regular following.

"It's good to be consistent. I sell online and in shops as well, but this is a nice way to interact with people and the people get a chance to put a face to the person who makes the stuff."

Mrs Austen makes vintage cushions, bags and pencil sketches.

"The biggest thing I do is the cushions and the bags and they are all from recycled fabrics ... they are all woollen blankets I find in op-shops, the wallets and clutches followed from that."

She said cushions were her most popular product at the market.

The Little Big Markets

The Little Big Markets are a twice-a-month morning must-visit. In the summer season (October through to Easter weekend) they are located next to Zespri on the corner of Matai St and Maunganui Rd, Mount Maunganui, or at the Papamoa Domain.

These markets take place on the first Saturday of each month.

Summer 2014/15 Mount dates:

Saturday, February 7
Saturday, March 7
Saturday, April 4 - Easter weekend

Summer 2014/15 Papamoa dates:

Sunday, February 1
Sunday, March 22