Rotorua's new Farmers' Market opens on Sunday

Donelley Sawmillers managing director Aaron Donelley (left) and Colin Hayes of Bespoke Joinery are all set for the first Rotorua Farmers Market on Sunday.

A baking competition judged by celebrity Kiwi chef Michael van de Elzen and 25 stallholders will feature at Sunday's inaugural Rotorua Farmers Market in the City Focus.

The distinctive wooden barrows from which stallholders will operate were specially made to create a unique atmosphere and were sponsored by locally owned and operated family sawmilling company Donelley Sawmillers, in conjunction with Abodo Wood.

The portable covered market barrows were built by Rotorua joiner and craftsman Colin Hayes of Bespoke Joinery.

Donelley Sawmillers managing director Aaron Donelley is enthusiastic about the market.

"We are excited at the prospect of this new inner-city initiative and are delighted to have the opportunity to support it by showcasing our local products and capability."

Confirmed stalls for this Sunday's market include Grow Food Instead with herbs, salad greens and vegetables, Good Life Foods selling nuts and avocados, Hungarian Artisan salami, Guidough patisserie, Pasta Mia with fresh and dried pasta, Front Paddock asparagus, Ohinemutu Women's Health League selling jams, chutneys and harakeke, and many more.

All the stallholders and their produce come from within 200km of Rotorua.

There are no middle-men involved, so the farmers are able to talk to the customers about the products they are selling.

Local production and direct contact with producers were the backbone of the farmers' market philosophy, market manager Brigitte Nelson said.

"The new Farmers' Market was conceived to address increasing demand for an artisan market offering local produce.

"We are creating a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere that feels a bit like a traditional European market square, but our wooden barrows with traditional designs will ground the market in our unique local culture," she said.

As part of the launch of the new weekly event, Sunday's market will feature a Dutch Apple Cake baking competition with categories for adults and children.

Bring your entry to the City Focus for judging by celebrity chef Michael van de Elzen.

There will also be a competition for everyone travelling to the market by bike.

Names will go in the draw to win $50 of farmers' market money to spend on market produce.