Stallholders lash out over farmers' markets trading

Farmers' markets face an outcry from their own stallholders as they prepare to trade this morning - Anzac Day.

In Hastings, community members are "disgusted" the Hawkes Bay market is going ahead. At least seven stallholders say they will boycott it.

Christine Mawson, who runs a vegetable stall with her husband, say she is furious.

"My uncle was killed in World War II, when he was only 22 years old. So many lives were lost, and so many soldiers who came home were never the same again. Anzac Day is not something to be pushed away."

The market will have a one-minute silence in the morning. Poppies will also be on sale, with the proceeds going to the Returned Services Association.

But Mawson says that's not good enough to justify the decision to trade.

"Easter is different because religion is a choice. But Anzac Day is a New Zealand-wide thing - there's no excuse."

Howick RSA president Malcolm Cordukes says markets are "outside the spirit of the day". "The day is about sacrifice. I don't understand why folk can't leave it alone."

Farmers' Markets New Zealand chairman Chris Fortune says Anzac Day is about remembrance and this should be respected by staying closed until 1pm.

This is the second year in a row that Anzac Day has fallen on a weekend, meaning workers around the country miss out on their usual day off. Next year, Anzac Day will fall on Easter Monday.