Historic Victoria Park Markets will this summer play host to the established artisan craft and food market - The Little Big Markets - and will feature 50 pop-up crafts, fashion and food vendors and live music every Saturday from 7 November.
“Many of our Auckland-based stall-holders have wanted growth within the Auckland market but wanted to remain under our event brand and it has always been our longterm goal to replicate what we’ve done in the Bay of Plenty and take our event model nationwide. So expanding into the Auckland region first, in such an iconic location, is very exciting,” says Rachelle.
Victoria Park Markets, home to one of Auckland’s original markets, has undergone a large-scale refurbishment to invigorate the historic building and create a vibrant and fresh central city food and shopping hub. Bayley’s commercial lease manager for Victoria Park, Leah Lahood, says re-establishing a regular market environment with a focus on quality New Zealand-made artisan goods has always been part of the strategic plan for the new-look Victoria Park and welcomes the arrival of the ethos and reputation of the Little Big Events team.
“Having witnessed the growth and success of The Little Big Markets over the last six years, we knew partnering with their team would be a positive step to further re-ignite Victoria Park. Aucklanders love a great space to visit on the weekends where they can explore and experience quality artisan products, top New Zealand cuisine, great coffee, fresh flowers and fresh market produce. We are confident the wider community of residents and businesses will all benefit from this new venture,” says Leah.
What originally started out as a hobby in 2009 with 20 stalls at the monthly Mount Maunganui markets, The Little Big Markets now hosts 150 stall holders and has become a full-time job for Rachelle and her husband, Chris, who joined the team full-time earlier this year. The working couple have also created the Little Big Events company to manage hundreds of events in the Bay of Plenty and Waikato annually and this is their first foray into the Auckland market.
“The Little Big Events ethos from the beginning has been to create diverse and vibrant events to bring communities closer together whilst offering a platform for more small New Zealand businesses to flourish. We know Kiwis appreciate the opportunity to buy local and we are passionate about working closely with local businesses and artisans to provide a platform for them to grow,” explains Rachelle.
As a result, over the last six years, The Little Big Markets have become a spring board for many New Zealand small businesses that have gone on to open their own bricks and mortar stores. Equally Rachelle and Chris’ events company has grown 300 per cent in the last six months; a move encouraged by Geoff Ross, CEO of Moa Beer, who mentored them earlier this year through the 2degrees Building Smarter Business campaign.
“Having the opportunity to be mentored by Geoff who has such a depth of business experience really helped us cement our plans for expansion and reminded us that a little community market can go on to achieve big things. He was really impressed with our organic growth over the years and gave us the support and confidence to initiate new community focused events both at a local and regional scale,” says Rachelle.
With a focal point on arts, culture, music, fashion and cuisine, all of the market vendors are carefully selected to ensure they align with the company’s ethos to create the best possible community atmosphere and hub for communities to connect. There will be a combination of permanent and casual stall holders every Saturday with seasonal pop-up stores featured during the summer and winter months.
“Life is busy enough for people as it is, so it’s important for us to replicate the same vibrant atmosphere as The Little Big Markets at Victoria Park, creating an inviting space for people to catch up with friends, sit and relax with a coffee and chat without having to shop and leave. We will have activities for the kids too and regular live music including a very special performance from Anika Moa at our first November market,” says Rachelle.
The Little Big Markets - Victoria Park will be open every Saturday from 7 November, from 9am- 2pm and will feature 50 pop-up stalls offering coffee, quality food, arts and crafts, fashion, fresh flowers, fresh produce and regular live music. For more information please visit www.instagram.com/victoriaparkmarkets.
If you are interested in becoming a stall holder or playing music at The Little Big Markets - Victoria Park, please visit www.littlebigevents.co.nz/joinus