Three weeks on from the border opening, vendor confidence is on the rise at the Punanga Nui Market thanks to the increasing numbers of tourists on Rarotonga and an extended rent-free period for vendors.

The market’s rent-free period has now been extended until the end of February, in line with Government efforts to continue supporting the local economy.

Waffle Shack owner Duncan Lewis said: “Things are starting to boost up and the atmosphere is getting better.”

“It’s great to see tourists around again.”

Customer numbers at the market have improved not just on Saturdays, but also during the week according to longtime vendor Mii Quarter.

“It’s been a big improvement, especially on Wednesdays and Fridays,” she says. “We just have to keep thinking positive.”

Other vendors are equally encouraged by the increase in visitors, with Pastor Clark Turua declaring that the boost in tourism “has made a big impact on our market”, while Kura Cowan says that the border opening has been “good not only for us but also for the tourists, as they can taste some of the produce we have here in the Cook Islands”.

Minister for the Punanga Nui Market, George Maggie Angene, says he is “very happy” at the positive effect the border opening has had on the market.

“The atmosphere of our market feels more happy and alive now that the tourists are here and businesses all around the island are now making some form of income, which puts a large smile on my face.”

“Everyone across the island is benefitting from this and our paradise is starting to brighten up again. I’d like to offer a big meitaki ma’ata to our government for all their hard work in making this happen.”

This week the market will continue operating as usual under Covid-19 pandemic conditions. Proof of vaccination is not a condition of entry, but all market users are required to comply with the following public health regulations:

• Upon arrival at the market, all vendors, customers and visitors must tag-in with their CookSafe cards at one of the three PNM tag-in stations, which can be found at: the front entrance; next to the Maroro Hut by the western side entrance; and in front of the PNM office by the BSP bank ATM. Tagging in before entering the market area is compulsory and manual tag-in forms will be provided for those who don’t have a CookSafe QR card.

• While not compulsory to be worn at all times, all visitors to the market must have a face mask with them to be worn when in close proximity with others. Everyone within the market area should keep a distance of one metre between themselves and others whenever possible and where this is not practical a face mask covering the mouth and nose should be worn. It is mandatory for all vendors to wear a face mask when serving customers.
• All market users should practise good hand hygiene, including regularly washing hands and using hand sanitiser before and after handling food or objects. Take care when coughing and sneezing to do so into your elbow.
• If you are feeling unwell, please don’t come to the market – stay home and get tested.

In a statement, the Punanga Nui Market management said: “In addition to these public health regulations, we encourage all vendors to apply capacity limits and to suggest to their customers that they leave the market area once they have purchased their food or other items. This will help reduce congestion and make social distancing easier.”

Those vendors with seated dine-in areas should also ensure that their seating is arranged so as to maintain the minimum one-metre social distancing requirements.

Vehicle access to the market for both vendors and customers will be through a single one-way only entrance located next to the Avatiu Bridge, with all vehicles required to exit via the Taua Terevete area at Constitution Park. Parking will be available as usual at the back of the market along the riverside and in the Taua Terevete area.

The walkthrough across the Avatiu Shortcut Bridge behind the market will be closed off, as well as the four pedestrian entrance archways on the main road across from the Ruatonga meeting house.

The Constitution Park entrance will also be closed to the general public and is for exiting traffic only.

If you have any questions about any of these regulations and restrictions, please don’t hesitate to ring the Punanga Nui Market office on 28370.