Mr Editor Many of the hundreds of tourists swarming off the big cruise liners like an invasion end up at Punanga Nui Market and stand in front of the big display labeled, "Cook Islands Necklaces" at $9 each - the ones that left China at 50 cents or so, plastic "carvings".

Millions being spent to rebuild the market, one wonders why we can't at the same time build in some integrity. We hear talk of maintaining our culture and supporting local artisans, and then we have junk for sale. 

The weekend market in Gisborne, Aotearoa, provides goods and services from that region. Nothing else. And it's packed every weekend. 

(Name and address supplied)

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