April 2018
A one-off artisan market will be held this weekend in Victoria Square to celebrate the reopening and recognise its history as a trading place.
“Victoria Square was formerly known as Market Square. Many Ngāi Tūāhuriri from Kaiapoi came to the central city site to sell their produce to European settlers,” says Matapopore Trustee, Joseph Hullen.
“Bringing back a market of locally produced goods gives us an opportunity to appreciate the historic significance of this space.”
Ōtākaro has worked with Matapopore and Felt, an online marketplace for New Zealand makers and craftspeople, to hand-pick a selection of local stallholders.
“On offer will be a range of high quality, original items, including jewellery, pounamu, natural soaps and balms, ceramics, and preserves, all made in Christchurch. Our stallholders have been chosen with an eye to sustainable production and ethical practices, as well as craftsmanship,” says Felt Founder, Lucy Arnold.
Around 30 stalls will be set up throughout Victoria Square from 10am to 1pm on 7 April.
“As a one-off event this market is a great reason to come into town and reacquaint yourself with the restored Victoria Square,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, Albert Brantley.
“With the new Central Library, Convention Centre and Town Hall all in view from Victoria Square you’ll be able to grab a coffee, buy something unique from a local artist, and get a good look all the rebuild activity going on in the heart of the city.”
If the weather is poor the market will be postponed to 21 April. Notification will be provided through Facebook.