As a beloved South Auckland landmark, the Ōtara Flea Market is known for being rich in Pacific culture and vibrancy, offering food, music, crafts, and art.
That tradition would be allowed to continue after the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board approved a new five-year commercial licence during its monthly business meeting on Tuesday.
The licence allowed Ōtara Markets Limited Partnership to run the Saturday market at 1R Newbury Street, Ōtara, from 5am until 2pm, two hours longer than before. The area would also expand by another row of car parks, allowing for more stallholders.
Key conditions of the licence included strict monitoring and reporting on social returns. The operator was expected to promote access for local performing arts groups, ensuring the market area also served as a stage for cultural performances and community expression.
Board members also supported a new clause related to corporate social responsibility, which stated the operator was expected to support and enable Māori and Pasifika businesses whenever possible and to align with Auckland Council’s zero-waste vision. This included implementing strategies to reduce carbon emissions in the market’s operations and providing regular updates on progress.
While there was no direct financial impact on the local board, members recognised the expansion could positively influence rent when the licensed area was reviewed in the future. They also requested periodic updates on the annual revenue generated for the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board.
Board members described the new licence as a major step towards ensuring the market continued to deliver both economic and cultural value.
The market was first established in the 1970s and was one of Auckland’s longest-running open-air community spaces and remained a key hub for Pacific and Māori enterprises. It continued to attract locals and visitors with its multicultural food offerings, fresh produce, and its role as a cultural hub for music and arts.
The five-year licence offered stallholders and visitors longer hours, more stalls, and a renewed focus on social and environmental initiatives.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
