Farmers market officially opened

Fresh produce and tasty treats were on offer at the Arrowtown Farmers Market’s official opening yesterday.

Twelve vendors sold their wares, including  asparagus,  flowers, freshly baked goodies and locally made cheese on the Library Green in Buckingham St.

Organiser Marco Dingemans told the Otago Daily Times he was excited to see the plan come together. The Dutchman moved to New Zealand in March last year with his Kiwi husband Craig Railton.The pair, who had been living in London and regularly visited farmers markets, thought Arrowtown was missing a trick, Mr Dingemans said.

"I thought it would sit so well with the town."

After talking to local businesses he set up a committee, which worked with the council to get a resource consent. Once all the paperwork was complete  a soft launch was tried three weeks ago, which included as many local vendors as possible.

While 12  vendors had already signed up to the weekly market, its resource consent allowed for 25 and he hoped more locals would come on board, Mr Dingemans said.

It was officially opened by Queenstown Lakes Mayor Jim Boult, and Arrowtown councillor Scott Stevens also popped along to show his support.

Mr Dingemans added: "This is what I envisioned. People are coming to meet and it is a social event — it is not buy, buy, buy. People are having a chat and that fits really well with Arrowtown. It’s been a great day."

The market will be held from 10am to 2pm each Sunday until March.