The inaugural Rotorua Ethnic Market took place on Sunday, July 21, 2024, from 10:30 AM to 2:00 PM, hosted by the Hindu Heritage Centre. Despite the rainy weather, the event successfully brought together communities from Tauranga, Auckland, and beyond, attracting over 200 attendees. The market featured ten stalls offering unique products from various ethnic communities, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere.
The day began with the public celebration of Guru Purnima from 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM, a significant Hindu festival dedicated to honouring teachers and mentors. This marked the first time Guru Purnima was celebrated publicly in Rotorua. Students paid respects to their mentors, including Jennie McLaren (Acting Principal of Malfroy School), Dr. Margriet Theron (President of Rotorua Multicultural Council), Wendie MacDonald (Senior Teacher at Playtopia Educare), and Constable Shonit Chandra from NZ Police. Malfroy School students Aarushi Devi and Aarush Chand honoured McLaren, while Alia Das and Shrey Chandra from Rotorua Hindi School paid tribute to Dr. Theron.
Photo: Some childcare children with teachers/Supplied
Impressed by the festival, Wendie MacDonald introduced a Guru Purnima celebration at Playtopia Educare, an early childcare centre in Rotorua, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, sharing the festival's significance with her colleagues.
Gargi Vaidya, a youth leader and Rotorua Lakes Youth Councillor, served as the Master of Ceremony. She explained the importance of Guru Purnima, introduced the guests, and led the lighting of a ceremonial lamp with guidance from Dr. Guna Magesan. The guests shared their experiences and appreciation for the culture, expressing gratitude to the Hindu Heritage Centre for organising the event. Komal Sahani from the Hindu Heritage Centre delivered the Vote of Thanks.
Photo: Dr Margriet being honoured/Supplied
Following the Guru Purnima celebrations, Dr. Margriet Theron officially opened the Rotorua Ethnic Market. The market, organised in collaboration with the Rotorua Multicultural Council, featured vendors mainly from the Indian community, showcasing traditional crafts, clothing, jewellery, artwork, home decor, and culinary delights.
Photo: A stall/Supplied
The event received positive feedback from stallholders and attendees alike. Jyoti Mathur of HomeDivine NZ, a stallholder from Auckland, said, "Thank you for the amazing opportunity. It was great to meet some of the Rotorua community, and I’d love to be part of more events in the future." Mayank Gulati of Gulati’s Kitchen, a Rotorua-based stallholder, added, "Thank you very much for organising this special event. It was very well planned, marketed, and executed. I look forward to more such events in the future." Ankush Kumar from Ray White Rotorua commented, "Namaste, thank you for allowing me to put my stall at this event. It was good and well organised for the first Ethnic Market. The only issue was the rain, but that’s beyond our control."
Buoyed by the success of this inaugural event, plans are already underway for the next Rotorua Ethnic Market.
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