Need for second farmers market questioned

Concern the proposed Wednesday farmers market could take customers away from Saturday's established railway station market has been raised by vendors.

The Otago Farmers Market Trust wants to establish a market in the car park of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, in South Dunedin, operating on a Wednesday between 3pm and 7pm, initially during the summer months, although consent was sought for a year-round operation if needed.

On Friday, a hearing committee comprising Crs Colin Weatherall (chairman), Paul Hudson and Lee Vandervis heard from the trust and four submitters.

Afife Harris, a Saturday market vendor, said a second market in Dunedin could damage the Saturday market and there was no serious evidence to show support for such a market, especially in times of recession when returns were lower.

She was also concerned the trust was considering another market with full facilities when it did not provide services such as toilets, water or electricity for the Saturday market.

Saturday vendor Brian Miller, director of Aquarius Gardens, said he was opposed to the application as he was also concerned the new market could take customers away from the Saturday market.

"No analysis appears to have been done to base where the estimated 2000 customers will come from and what effect it will have on the Saturday market."

Graham Potter, a Macandrew Rd property owner, said his main worries were noise, especially at night from trucks with air brakes, and also a loss of privacy and security.

"The ordinary people in those houses haven't been considered enough," Mr Potter said.

Elizabeth Kerr, who was involved in the beginnings of the Saturday market, said she supported the second market, as the trust was an experienced and considerate operator, and a good neighbour.

It was likely to develop according to customer demands in South Dunedin, she said.

Otago Farmers Market general manager John More said the market would allow people to buy fresh food and produce at competitive prices.

The market would open to the public between 3pm and 6pm each Wednesday, with an hour either side allowed for vendors to set up and later pack up.