New doco looks at vibrant Paraparaumu Beach market

Kevin Jones (left) and Warwick Halcrow.

A half hour film about Paraparaumu Beach's bustling and vibrant 18-year-old Saturday Market features owners Kevin Jones and Warwick Halcrow and interviews with six key stallholders.

The debut screening of Paraparaumu Beach Saturday Market to a capacity audience took place recently at Coastlands Event Cinemas, Paraparaumu.

The light-hearted and often humorous documentary-style film visits growers and niche producers: Kapiti Olives, Foxy Bangers, Thorobread, Kapiti Coffee, Kalimera Organics and Sone's Sauces, taking viewers right to the heart of what it takes to start, grow and maintain a sustainable business.

The relaxed, friendly culture provides stallholders with positive support and ready customers who are looking for alternatives, which really comes across in the film.

Warwick Halcrow

"The market offers people an affordable opportunity to test and build their businesses in a low risk way," Warwick said.

"The relaxed, friendly culture provides stallholders with positive support and ready customers who are looking for alternatives, which really comes across in the film."

The owners describe shopping at the market as an alternative experience to supermarket shopping, providing tastes, sounds, entertainment and a sense of discovery.

"The market also provides a venue for community for fundraising, campaigning for causes, politics, discussing local issues and just having a good old chat," Kevin said.

"It's a community centre without walls.

"The whole of Paraparaumu's shopping precinct comes alive on a Saturday morning, the market is the glue."

The film was made by local filmmakers writer/director Linda Niccol and cinematographer/editor Reece Baker. Music by Lie To Me provided the soundtrack.