"Shoppers want to be able to access locally-grown produce and there is something special about being able to talk to the person who has grown or produced the item you are purchasing."
Wendy Palin and Helen Greenhill sold their last bag of corn to celebrity chef Brett McGregor who was at the market shopping for ingredients ready for a cooking demonstration that night.
Helen Greenhill and Wendy Palin sold out of the fresh corn cobs they were selling on the day.
The corn was grown on Helen's Oakura farm and she said it was worth coming to the market to sell it.
"We're pleased. Everyone has been great to meet and talk to and the corn obviously sold well."
Amanda Kingi, from Hawera, said she came to the market to see what was on offer.
"I shop on a pretty tight budget and it can be hard to get good, fresh food on a small budget.
"You often have to sacrifice quality or freshness for price when you are in a shop. Today I have bought some potatoes which are nice and fresh and I know they haven't travelled miles in a truck before I buy them.
"I want my kids to eat healthy and I like knowing where the food we eat comes from." Amanda said she would be back for the next market and hoped more stall holders would sign up to the market.
"I'd love to see some more fresh food I can take home and cook with, and I would love to be able to buy freshly made bread and rolls with less preservatives than you get when they come wrapped in plastic from a store."
