A slice of Hawke’s Bay history

Founded in the year 2000 by a group of pioneering local producers, the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market is one of the largest farmers’ markets in Aotearoa. Every Sunday, the Waikoko Gardens are transformed into a foodie’s paradise where today’s local producers sell their wares through the traditional means of trade. There’s something special about meeting the grower or producer of the kai|food on display and in a region with such a diverse portfolio of produce, it’s an experience like no other.

KANAPU Hempery became a stallholder at the famous Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market in pre Covid pandemic times in February 2020. The idea was to be present in our community, provide a place where our audience can make direct contact with us and to carry out market research. Naturally, we sent our savvy educator and communicator Kirby to be the face of our market stall, to build relationship and create an effortless space for our people to ask and enquire.

Market mornings

Fast forward to today and Kirby still hasn’t had a Sunday morning sleep in. Instead you’ll find her tootling off to the Hempery at sunrise in our little golden truck, picking up our Hempery cart and arriving at the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market in Hastings ready for another glorious Hawkes Bay morning at the market.

As we first arrive the atmosphere is a little sleepy, with fellow producers setting up their stalls, waiting patiently for the coffee machines to warm up and savouring the gentle wafting of bacon as it starts to engulf the gardens. At 8:30am the first wave of customers stroll through the gate, eager to complete their weekly shopping lists before relaxing in the morning sun with their whānau|family and friends. It is during this time that the market to us is its most precious. The sense of kotahitanga|togetherness amongst stallholders in those early hours of the morning is just as remarkable as the hustle and bustle of the market as the morning wears on.

From 9:30am the gardens come to life as those visitors from both in and outside the region swarm the grassy area, seeking out their preferred parakuihi|breakfast options and their favourite brew. Not to mention taking up the best spot to listen to Hawke’s Bay’s talented buskers.

Farmer to Whānau

We have met so many incredible people through the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market, now stockists, professional connections, new and returning customers both in person and now online. However, one of the best things about being present at the farmers’ market has been the stories. We’ve listened to stories about personal health journeys, farming, travel, the Covid-19 pandemic and many more. We’ve also told a few fun stories of our own; how to get forklifts stuck in driveways, how to drive a combine harvester on the winding road to Waimārama and how to drive Taxis to airports when you know you’re going to be late for your flight. If you love a good story like us, head down to the Hawke’s Bay Farmers’ Market and see us, we’ll be sure to tell you one.