Bringing a festive blend of small businesses together in one marketplace was Emma Mowat’s vision for Wānaka’s Gather Market.

“We held our first market in December last year and the response was unreal. People loved discovering local talent with stallholders having a successful day,” says Emma. “It was amazing to support these epic little businesses and side hustles who trusted me with the concept and we’re now going ahead with a midwinter market in July.”

Gather Market features a hand-selected collection of stallholders selling their products, contributing to the growth and sustainability of small, local businesses.

“The idea came after I attended a Christmas Market in Hawkes Bay and thought why don’t we have one here with so many talented people doing amazing things mostly online,” she says.

The midwinter market is planned for Saturday July 13 at The Venue Wānaka from 11.00am until 3.00pm with another Christmas Market scheduled for December 2024.

“It’s a fun shopping event and day out with catering by the Stoaker Room featuring Wild Earth Wines and music by Robert Glen Acoustics. We have local designers such as Shannon Courtenay Ceramics and Leni the Label and there will be an amazing selections of beautiful ceramics, New Zealand wool products, clothing and much more.”