Organiser Montel Pehi at the launch of weekly Friday night markets at 49 Guyton St. Photo / Noam Mānuka Lazarus
Organiser Montel Pehi at the launch of weekly Friday night markets at 49 Guyton St. Photo / Noam Mānuka Lazarus
A new weekly night market in Whanganui city centre has launched.
Block 49 offers a mix of food stalls, artisans, artists and performances at 49 Guyton St on Fridays from 4-8pm. St Mary’s Church has let organiser Montel Pehi use its park area and carpark for the event.
“Ultimately, Ijust want it to become a Friday night ritual for Whanganui,” Pehi said.
It launched last Friday as a 12-week pilot and Pehi hopes to eventually make it permanent.
“There are quite a few loopholes and hoops that you have to jump through to get the okay.
“But once I had the permission from the council ... I put one teaser post out about three months ago and it went viral, it got over 500 reactions.”
Originally from Whanganui, Pehi returned recently with his whānau after living in Auckland. He said they frequented the bustling night market scene in the city and wanted to bring that culture to Whanganui.
Entrance to the new "Block 49" Friday night market. Photo / Noam Mānuka Lazarus
Block 49 becomes the second weekly market in the town centre, in addition to the Saturday morning Whanganui River Markets.
Pehi said a few of his vendors also attended the Saturday markets but most were locals new to the street food scene.
“That’s what the Block is about, giving new people opportunities, a low-entry point that’s for everyone,” he said.
“I’m trying to create something new – something different from the current markets that Whanganui has to offer.
“Keep it fresh and new every time.”
The market will cycle through themes, with a four-week “glow” series starting this Friday, ahead of Matariki. The attendee with the best neon light costume will receive a $50 voucher for the markets.
