The local community is invited to the Te Aitarakihi Marae-a-Iwi/ Multicultural Centre for a funfilled evening at the centre’s first night market.
Project co-ordinator Anna Buckingham said they wanted to create a fun event with music and where people could have access to locally produced wares and have kai.
‘‘Te Aitarakihi Marae-a-Iwi/ Multicultural Centre is very supportive of our community as a whole, and we wanted to bring everyone together for a festive celebration.’’
About 400 members had joined to learn te reo Maori, volunteer in the mara kai (community food garden), and to assist with kitchen help, catering and events held at Te Aitarakihi.
There would be stalls with food, arts and crafts along with community-based organisations and emergency services.
There would also be entertainment including performers from kapa haka, singing groups and a magic act.
‘‘We have about 35 stalls which include stalls offering hangi, Pasifika food stalls, Maori art, jewellery etc,’’ Ms Buckingham said.
They arranged to use the Alliance Smithfield car park, and they asked that people to bring cash as eftpos is not guaranteed.
‘‘With positive feedback and good attendance, we will plan for future markets and make it an annual event as well as Waitangi Day, Matariki and Te Wiki o te Reo Maori.’’
The market is being held from 4.30pm-8.30pm on November 18 at Te Aitarakihi, 50 Bridge Rd.
