The groundbreaking ceremony for Te Tāpora Kai, the new Grassroots Farmers and Crafts Market undercover building at the Constitution Park, was held yesterday morning.

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters and Minister for Health and Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti as well as New Zealand High Commissioner to the Cook Islands, Tui Dewes, attended the brief ceremony.

The Cook Islands Government was represented by Cook Islands Investment Corporation Minister Albert Nicholas and Punanga Nui Market Minister George “Maggie” Angene.

Te Tāpora Kai, meaning one food basket containing many small baskets, is Te Punanga Nui Market’s (PNM) new building that will be able to cater for 70 vendors, rain or shine.

This new building will prioritise local grassroot vendors and is a project that falls under phase one of Te Tau Papa o Avarua/Avarua Town Plan, which focuses on redeveloping the market and surrounding Avarua area.

From left, Sally Hosking-Naea, Cook Islands Investment Corporation design and project officer, Alana Short, CIIC project manager Asset Development Division and Te Tau Papa o Avarua project manager, Minister George “Maggie” Angene, and Tutemaeva Poaru, CIIC Te Tau Papa o Avarua project officer, at Te Tāpora Kai Groundbreaking ceremony. MELINA ETCHES/24020723

Funding of approximately $8 million is channelled through New Zealand’s Infrastructure Trust Fund (ITF).

In his welcoming address, Minister Nicholas acknowledged “the tremendous contribution” of $7.6 million from Aotearoa, “towards creating a place for our mamas and papas to trade and earn a living”.

He said Te Tāpora Kai is a significant extension to the Punanga Nui Market since its productive transformation into a place of trade for grassroots individuals, small businesses and non-government organisations (NGOs).

“It is a place where we showcase Cook Islands food, arts, culture and who we are as Cook Islands people,” said Nicholas.

During the week, around 50 vendors sell their produce, goods, and services at the Punanga Nui Market, but on Saturdays, the market comes alive with more than 100 stalls.

New Zealand Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti (left) and NZ Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters at Te Tāpora Kai groundbreaking ceremony. MELINA ETCHES/24020716

However, the market has outgrown its original footprint, says Nicholas, adding “and now it must be extended to keep up with demand, to provide more opportunities and to support grassroots-led economic development”.

New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister Peters and Minister Reti, who were on their first official in-country engagement since the formation of the National led coalition government, were “pleased” to be present at the groundbreaking ceremony.

“We have a long association with an affection for this area in particular, the market, in support of its establishment and development over the years … and also people have been observing the quality of the product at all levels that’s changed dramatically for the best, the hydroponics – the kind of thing we never imagined to see, it’s very eye opening…,” said Peters.

“We trust the new farmers and crafts market will help pay for this area, Rarotonga’s economic, social and cultural hub, to a new level and help maximise vendors for the community, and of course new economic opportunities.

“We have no doubt that this facility will be enjoyed by locals and visitors for decades to come.”

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters (left), NZ Minister for Pacific Peoples Dr Shane Reti, Minister George “Maggie” Angene and Minister Albert Nicholas unveiled Te Tāpora Kai signboard. MELINA ETCHES/24020717

Peters also noted from observation how impressive it is to drive around Rarotonga and be impressed by how clean and tidy everything is – “no litter, no rubbish”.

Minister Nicholas, Minister Angene, DPM Peters and Minister Reti were given the honour of unveiling Te Tapora Kai signboard, as well as the “turning of the first soil” alongside, Makea Kariki George Ariki, Tiori Rangatira - Nooroa Teina representing Makea Vakatini Phillip Ariki, and Uirangi Mataiapo – Lefou Jack.

A policy is being developed for Te Tāpora Kai that aims to only house local and permanent residence microbusiness vendors, selling predominantly locally made products. This policy excludes commercial businesses or those already established elsewhere on the island or offsite.

Te Tau Papa o Avarua Phase 1 project was launched last November by Dewes with the unveiling of project signboards.