As the festive holiday season approaches, the spirit of giving and community shines brighter than ever.

The Business Trade and Investment Board (BTIB) promoted a two-day special Jolly Jingle Jam Trade Market Day at the Punanga Nui Market this week.

Trade Days is an opportunity to explore vendors showcasing locally made crafts and gifts, supporting local talent and helping customers find the perfect Christmas gift for their loved ones.

Handmade shell and wooden ornaments, shell, pearl and rito jewellery, vibrant coloured pareu, rito hats, pareu dresses and handbags were some of the beautiful products on display by the 79 registered vendors.

Saro Taia Rasmussen at the Punanga Nui Market crafts his jewellery created from shells, rito and pearls from the north. MELINA ETCHES/24121803 or 1804

BTIB chief executive officer Repeta Puna said the Jolly Jingle Jam Trade Days were designed to celebrate local artists and showcase the incredible talent within our community and bring the vendors together to trade, catering for locals to purchase their Christmas gifts.

“We wanted to encourage the vendors to produce products or crafts that locals can gift at Christmas rather than buying gifts made overseas,” Puna said.

“We wanted to encourage our crafters to be innovative and create new products.”

Saro Taia Rasmussen crafted his own stunning designs for pearl, rito, and shell (from the north) jewellery.

“I make everything myself, and I like to use and promote our own shells from the north like the poreo,” Rasmussen said. He can be contacted on phone 70490.

Moeroa Piniki crafts her beautiful rito hats and jewellery for her Toku-Inangaro Taku Raranga booth at the Punanga Nui Market.

Michelle Flanagan has a variety of pareu kid’s clothes, bags and garments at the Are Mama Design stall at the Punanga Nui Market. MELINA ETCHES/24121805

Michelle Flanagan was selling a variety of pareu kid’s clothes, bags and garments sewed by her sister-in-law Justine at the Are Mama Design stall at the Punanga Nui Market. The stall also operates at the market every Saturday.

By choosing locally made gifts, you not only delight your friends and family with local treasures but also contribute to the sustainability and growth of our local economy. Visit the market this coming Saturday for your unique locally made gifts for Christmas.