Words Liz French
It is clear that stall holders, vendors and shoppers benefit from the Tauranga Farmer’s Market. But you may be surprised to learn that the market also supports deserving organisations and charities.
Tauranga Farmer’s Market is a not-for-profit organisation. As Market Manager Megan McVeigh explains, “This means that any money after operational costs is donated to charities, both local and national.”
The Tauranga market is a lean machine with one of the lowest stall holder fees in the country for a market of its size. Yet they still manage to create some surplus. The recipients are many and varied and include St John, cancer support charities, and an annual Christmas donation to Waipuna Hospice. This quote from the letter of thanks by Waipuna’s CEO expresses their depth of appreciation: “Your support each year plays a vital role in our ability to provide compassionate care to those in need during their most vulnerable moments.”
In 2023 the Tauranga market provided cyclone relief to markets within the Farmer’s Market New Zealand network, particularly to their counterpart in Gisborne.
Tauranga Farmer’s Market also helps raise money for charity by making their market available to fundraisers like Daffodil Day who can set up their own stalls, and by getting involved in causes like Gumboot Friday, where you will see vendors and customers wearing their gumboots, even if they don’t have to!
Stall holders also do their bit. For example, those who enjoy Bella Paella’s traditional paella are directly supporting AphasiaNZ, a charity that supports those with speech difficulty after a stroke or brain injury. Locky and Scott at Bella Paella combine their passion for cooking and a cause close to their hearts by donating their profits.
Schools benefit too. The market shows its appreciation to Tauranga Primary School by donating so that children of cash-strapped families can attend school camps. This year they are going a step further by sponsoring local schools, childcare centres or horticultural groups that are teaching the next generation the skills and importance of growing their own healthy food. The market is making four payments of $500 each year for which schools and organisations can apply.
The Tauranga Farmer’s Market is rightly proud that it nurtures the community directly and indirectly. As Megan says, “We strive to support our local producers and artisans by providing a friendly space to connect with the community with fresh food direct from the growers. That we can create a platform that also allows us to donate to worthy causes is a source of great satisfaction to us all at the market.”