sustainability

The Ōtaki Market, a vibrant hub for local businesses and community spirit, is dedicated to promoting sustainability and supporting eco-friendly stallholders. With a focus on environmental responsibility, many of the market’s vendors emphasize sustainable practices, offering products that are locally sourced, handmade, and environmentally conscious.

Click here to read our sustainability plan.

waste stations

To support the Otaki Market’s commitment to sustainability and waste reduction, we have implemented a comprehensive rubbish and recycling plan, especially tailored for larger events. This plan prioritizes waste diversion, recycling, and minimizing landfill contributions.

We partnered with the No. 49 District of Kapiti Squadron, Air Training Corps, we ensure effective waste management through organized recycling stations and community involvement.

Our stallholders, also bring eco-friendly practices when possible. One of the standout features you'll notice as you stroll through the market is the creative use of chalkboards, signage or product labels by our stallholders.

stall holder signage

There’s something new and exciting at the Ōtaki Market! Irgo has joined the lineup, bringing fresh, high-quality fruit and vegetables at fantastic prices. But that’s not all—Irgo also gives back to the community, they generously donate boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables to a local Kai Pantry, ensuring that families in need have access to nutritious food.

Their commitment to both quality and kindness makes them a wonderful addition to the market.

fruit & veg

We run engaging, hands-on workshops at local schools, inspiring students to explore entrepreneurship with a focus on sustainability.

Workshop Highlights

Eco-Friendly Product Creation – Students use repurposed and natural materials to develop unique products.
Mini Business Experience – Teams brainstorm ideas, choose a business name, and present their products.
Essential Business Skills – Covers customer service, ethical pricing, and money management.
Confidence & Creativity – Encourages innovation in a fun, supportive environment.

These workshops equip students with financial literacy and a commitment to sustainable business practices while fostering creativity and teamwork.

youth workshops

Māoriland and the Ōtaki Market team up

The collaboration between Māoriland and the Ōtaki Market for the Matariki Street Party was a celebration of local culture and creativity. The Ōtaki Market provided 13 stalls, showcasing a diverse range of offerings, from native trees, New Zealand products to locally made crafts and Māori-themed craft.

The brief from Maoriland was to have products, which connect with the earth, are sustainable, at one with nature or are local producers and plastic free.

The market encourages young entrepreneurs to use upcycled, recycled, and eco-friendly materials in their products, helping to instill a sense of environmental stewardship from an early age. By focusing on these values, the Ōtaki Kids Market is not just teaching kids about business but also about the importance of caring for their environment and community.

Sustainable Packaging - awarded to the stall holder who has come up with an innovated way to package their products
Sustainable product Champion - awarded to the stall holder who demonstrates the most innovative use of sustainable materials.

going green

sustainable SEPTEMBER

The Ōtaki Market's Sustainable stallholders feature an array of eco-friendly products, from recycled and upcycled art and crafts to organic, spray-free citrus fruit. Locally grown native trees with homemade compost and reusable packaging are available, along with second-hand goods and items crafted from locally sourced materials. Come and chat with our stallholders!

We have a huge list of stall holders who use sustainable, recycled and upcycled products