21 Nov, 2022
JULIA WADE
A group of young locals are getting a taste of business with the set up of a new second-hand market orchestrated, organised and operated by kids.
Planned for November 27 at Mangawhai Activity Zone [MAZ], the market will run as the first trial of this type of event and children will be supported by the MAZ committee, member Arnna Alexander says.
“We aim to create a child-lead environment where children can pursue their passions, set goals, make plans, manage money and work on communications skills,” she says. “The children will experience all aspects of planning and communicating their ideas from concept through to execution and sales.”
Arnna and fellow MAZ committee member Ken Rayward will also host several ‘kids committee meetings’ before the event, so the children can get to experience what goes on in an organisational committee, with minutes from each meeting shared with their parents and the MAZ committee.
As there will be no ATM available, all stalls will operate as cash only which will also allow the children to work out their earnings and the five percent share of profit they are donating to MAZ, Arnna says.
“The MAZ philosophy is to reuse, reduce and re-love quality pre-loved items and supports and encourages a sustainable lifestyle and circular economy,” she says.
“Therefore, we will also be working with Sustainable Kaipara – who are sponsoring a recycling bin at the market – to make recommendations on how to minimise waste from the market, such as cups, plastic and paper, so please bring your own bags.”
Auckland-based ‘The Creative Kids Collective’ hold a similar children’s market in Mt Albert, supported by the Albert-Eden local board, with this year’s event hosting around 60 stalls, and have been supportive of the Mangawhai event, providing guidelines and procedures for the MAZ committee. Children interested in holding a stall can fill out a registration form available on MAZ’s Facebook page.
“We have almost reached our target number of stalls but if there is a spill-over we’ll ask kids if they can share a table which we’d prefer as it will give them a chance to man each other’s sales while also having a wander around to see what others are selling,” Arnna says. “Marquees or umbrellas are advised to provide cover from the sun and if the weather does not play ball, we will look at alternative options. So come along and grab yourself a bargain, a coffee and a slice of cake and enjoy some shopping!”
n MAZ Kids Market, November 27, 2pm at MAZ
MAZ Kids Market committee (from left) Darius at back, Oliver, Heidi, Kade, Evie, Pippa at back, Marley and Eden. PHOTO/SUPPLIED
