Award-Winning Taranaki Farmers Market | Huatoki Plaza

🌱 Taranaki Farmers Market - Every Sunday 9am-12pm at Huatoki Plaza, New Plymouth CBD

Experience the vibrant tastes of Taranaki at our award-winning farmers market! Named Organic New Zealand's 'Farmers Market of the Year' 2024, we're your one-stop shop for fresh local food, drink, music and community connection.

What to expect:

• Fresh local produce and artisan products
• Live music and community atmosphere
• Rain or shine market (unless weather is extreme)
• Free entry for all visitors

Practical information:

• Location: Huatoki Plaza, 28 Devon Street West, New Plymouth Central
• Time: Every Sunday, 9am-12pm
• Free parking available throughout New Plymouth CBD on Sundays
• Closest parking: Devon Street, Ariki/Gill Street, and Centre City parking building
• Payment options: Some stalls accept EFTPOS, others cash or bank transfer
• ATMs nearby: ASB, ANZ, and Kiwibank within walking distance
• Public toilets available on-site near Ariki Street

Contact details:

• Email: marketcoordinators@gmail.com
• Phone: 020 475 6173

Why Farmers Markets Are Essential to New Zealand Communities 🥕 🍯 🧀

Farmers markets have become a beloved Kiwi tradition, offering much more than just a place to shop for groceries. These weekly gatherings represent the heart and soul of local food culture throughout New Zealand.

Supporting local growers and makers

When you purchase directly from local farmers and food artisans, you're helping sustain small-scale agriculture in your region. These markets provide vital income streams for small producers who might otherwise struggle to compete with large commercial operations. By shopping at farmers markets, you're investing in the local economy and helping preserve traditional farming practices.

Fresher, more nutritious food

Most produce at farmers markets is harvested within 24 hours of being sold, meaning you're getting the freshest possible kai. This not only improves flavour but also maximises nutritional value. Without long supply chains and extended storage, fruits and vegetables retain more of their natural vitamins and minerals.

Reduced environmental impact

Food at farmers markets typically travels significantly shorter distances than supermarket products. This "low food mileage" means less fuel consumption and reduced carbon emissions. Many vendors also employ sustainable growing practices and use minimal packaging, further decreasing environmental impact.

Seasonal eating and food education

Farmers markets naturally encourage seasonal eating patterns. When you shop according to what's locally available, you reconnect with natural growing cycles and develop a deeper appreciation for the rhythm of seasons in Aotearoa. Vendors are typically passionate about their products and happy to share knowledge about growing methods, cooking techniques, and nutritional benefits.

Community building

Perhaps the most valuable aspect of farmers markets is their role as community gathering spaces. These weekly events create opportunities for neighbours to connect, for children to learn where food comes from, and for visitors to experience authentic local culture. In our increasingly digital world, these face-to-face interactions have become more meaningful than ever.

Supporting regional food resilience

By nurturing diverse local food systems, farmers markets help build regional food security. Strong local agricultural networks are better positioned to withstand supply chain disruptions and adapt to changing conditions. This resilience is increasingly important as communities throughout New Zealand face climate-related challenges.