Breaking with a 20-year tradition, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market (HBFM) will not move indoors at the Showgrounds for the winter, opting to stay outside in the Waikoko Gardens.
The Sunday market has traditionally moved into the exhibition hall and grandstand at the Showgrounds during the colder months, but overwhelming public opinion has the market stay put year round.
“When the market reopened after the Covid-19 lockdown, it stayed in its outdoor location throughout the winter into spring to adhere to MBIE regulations in order to operate under Level 2,” says Alexandra Martin, HBFM marketing manager.
“There was a hugely positive response from Hawke’s Bay locals once we re-opened and so the HBFM has taken the decision to continue with the market remaining outdoors throughout winter.”
HBFM is a non-profit organisation with a sole purpose to support local growers of fresh produce and artisan food producers through the Napier Urban Farmers’ Market in Clive Square every Saturday and the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market at Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds every Sunday.