Last summer, The Little Big Markets, which offers a range of food and retail stalls, were scheduled to use the park most weekends.<\/p>\n
The change comes as the council seeks feedback on proposed changes to its policy on how council land is used.<\/p>\n
Rachelle and Chris Duffy are the directors of community events The Little Big Markets, Dinner in the Domain and Tauranga\u2019s Christmas in the Park.<\/p>\n
Chris Duffy said The Little Big Markets had operated for 17 years, 13 of those at Coronation Park. <\/p>\n
He said when they received their date allocations for Coronation Park for this summer, however, several peak-season weekends were marked unavailable.<\/p>\n
The Little Big Markets directors, Chris and Rachelle Duffy.<\/p>\n
They challenged this with the council, but Duffy said they were not offered alternatives \u2013 such as seeing if events could co-exist \u2013 or the usual process to resolve the conflict with other bookings. <\/p>\n
He said they were told senior management had set the cap on markets.<\/p>\n
Duffy said they were troubled by the lack of transparency or collaboration in the decision and how the priorities were set. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re not asking for special treatment in isolation. But we do believe that 17 years of consistent, compliant and community-focused operation earns the right to be part of the conversation before decisions are made.\u201d<\/p>\n
Their submission on the draft policy called for decisions to be transparent, evidence-based and focused on community benefit, rather than commercial interests.<\/p>\n
He said they felt a responsibility to respond to the changes, particularly a new requirement to consider existing rate-paying businesses when approving activities on council land.<\/p>\n
They believed the drafted policy was inconsistent with the primary purpose of council land being for community use.<\/p>\n
The Little Big Markets at Coronation Park in Mount Maunganui are popular with locals and visitors. <\/p>\n
He said decisions to limit community activity should be supported by objective, verifiable data, \u201cnot just an assertion that something is operationally incompatible or that a neighbouring business feels disadvantaged\u201d.<\/p>\n
This could be done through an independent assessment, as well as regular monitoring of how high-demand spaces such as Coronation Park were performing.<\/p>\n
Duffy said mixed opinions on the markets from main street businesses reinforced the need for independent data.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s the pragmatic, fair approach we\u2019re asking council to adopt.\u201d.\u201d<\/p>\n
He said Coronation Park played an important role in community life and visitor experience, particularly with nearby cruise ships.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor many international visitors, the market is the first authentic experience of local life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Electric Soul Tattoo and Gallery owner Kirky Donnelly said she strongly supported the markets. <\/p>\n
Electric Soul Tattoo and Gallery owner Kirky Donnelly. Photo \/ George Novak <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Little Big Markets bring people into the Mount who simply would not otherwise be here. <\/p>\n
\u201cDuring a period where many businesses are experiencing reduced trade [with Mauao tracks and other facilities closed] \u2026 that additional foot traffic is incredibly valuable.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said her business was \u201cnoticeably busier\u201d on market weekends.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout the drawcard, many simply wouldn\u2019t make the trip at all.\u201d<\/p>\n
She said claims the markets harmed local businesses did not reflect her experience.<\/p>\n
She said the events supported small retailers, and many successful Mount businesses started as market stalls.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt seems unfair to limit those opportunities for the next generation of small business owners.\u201d<\/p>\n