Tolaga Bay Easter market planned after success of Waitangi Day event

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

A market is planned for Tolaga Bay’s main street on Easter Saturday, March 30.

Following the surprise success of the Waitangi Day Markets, this one is destined to be even bigger.  Organiser Reuben Kaa said the number of inquiries for stall tables has been “phenomenal”.  Hāngī, traditional fried bread, facepainting for the tamariki and karaoke will add to the fun and festivities.  Stalls will be selling a diverse range of products.

Mr Kaa has had to increase his band of helpers to a group of five — his wife Norah, sister-in-law Bernie Kaa, Dolly Mitchell and Peewee Brown.

The music enthusiast (especially country music), recently returned to his home town on the East Coast after 30 years travelling overseas.  The street market came about unexpectedly when he posted on the social media Tolaga Bay site, his plans of “jamming down the main street” on Waitangi Day.

Setting up a microphone and singing some tunes soon snowballed with interest from locals wanting to set up stalls.  Both sides of the main street became a lively festival.

“I was only going to do one market, and that was it!” he said. “I am really chuffed at how the locals are reacting to this.”

Local business manager Ricky Kuru of Kuru Contracting has offered his support.  If the weather on the day isn’t in the event’s favour, Mr Kuru has a large undercover area available.

Reuben provides regular updates for the event on the Tolaga Bay Facebook site.

This market is going to be a little different from the last one, in that stall-holders will be charged $5 per stall. Reuben plans to donate all proceeds to the Tolaga Bay Fire Bridge,  who “do a lot for the community”, he said.

“Tolaga is going to turn into a miniature city,” said Reuben.

“Don’t forget to bring cash. There is only one eftpos machine in town, and that may not be open on the day.”

Bookings aren’t required — “just turn up, if you see a spot, dive in there”. The festival will start at 9am. Any inquiries can be directed to Reuben via Facebook, or on 021 451 387.