The Otaki Market and the Otaki Kids Market has been on a revitalization journey for the past two years. The team hasn't done it all on their own. Tim Costly, Mayor Janet Holborow, the Otaki Community Board and Otaki Ward Councilor Shelly Warwick, have all been consistent supporters of the Ōtaki Market and its initiatives, particularly the Ōtaki Kids Market. Their involvement has helped elevate the market's profile and provided invaluable encouragement for the young entrepreneurs.
PHOTOGRAPHS WITH SANTA (christmas 2023)
The Community Board in 2023 supported the Otaki Market to be able to provide a photograph booth with Santa. There were 100 children and five dogs who were able to enjoy an instant photograph.
Judging the Best Kids Stall
Mayor Janet and Shelly have both judged the Best Kids Stall at the Ōtaki Kids Market. Mayor Janet and Shelly recognized not just the products but also the budding entrepreneurial spirit, providing constructive feedback and encouragement to each participant.
Supporting the Otaki Kids Market
This support and encouragement lead to the Otaki Kids Market being runner up in the 2023 Wellington Airport Community Awards in Child Youth and Development. The confidence in receive this award has led to the market winning a series of other awards. Tim Costly also lent his skills at the very first Kids Market on the Face painting stand creating a few masterpieces!
Otaki Kids Workshop
In 2023 we held our very first Kids Market Workshop with 40 young people taking part. Learning skills to help elevate their stalls to the next level. This included media training from Mayor Janet and Tim Costly presenting all the young people with awards. He also purchased products from the young stall holders, and as promised to one young stall holder, Mille, he wore the glow in the dark bracelets in the Houses of Parliament.
Celebrating the Kids Market's 1st Anniversary
The first anniversary of the Ōtaki Kids Market was a milestone that Shelly helped celebrate with enthusiasm. Her presence highlighted the importance of initiatives like this, which foster creativity, business skills, and community engagement in younger generations. By attending and publicly supporting the event, Shelly underscored her commitment to empowering local youth and creating a sense of community pride.
COUNCIL LEAD INITIATIVES
The support from KCDC and Counciller Warwick has helped elevate the market's profile and provided invaluable encouragement for the volunteers at the Otaki Market. Shelly’s guidance has given the Otaki Market team the confidence to actively engage with the Kapiti Coast District Council.
Her support has enabled the team to attend council meetings and speak confidently about the market’s needs and vision. This direct engagement has created stronger connections between the market and local governance, paving the way for positive collaborations.
SUSTAINABILITY at the Ōtaki market
Shelly encouraged the Ōtaki Market to take on their sustainability Initiative, which started with Sustainable September, creating a sustainable strategy. With her guidance and help, this has now evolved into a wider programme for our larger themed markets. Check out our sustainable strategy here
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