Market policy updated
-big players not encouraged
-religious crusades banned

The policy relating to the management of the Punanga Nui Market is set out in a document which can be obtained from the Ministry of Agriculture.
Dated 17 April 2007, it is entitled; “Policy for the efficient management of the Punanga Nui Market.”
The document is nine pages long and an end note says this latest edition of the policy was confirmed in the April 2007 Agriculture heads of divisions meeting. It revises and updates the market policy set in 1995.
The policy is to help guide the operations at the market and outline guidelines and procedures that will be useful to all stake holders of the market. The policy is intended to manage the current situation as efficiently as possible and will undergo further requirements when and where necessary and deemed appropriate.
The mission statement, objectives and strategies part of the document set the key purpose and direction of the market.
The mission is ..” to provide the best possible venue for indigenous micro-business enterprises to operate profitably.”
The first of the four objectives says; “Provide a level playing field for small local businesses wishing to utilize the market.”
One of the five key strategies says; “ Promote the market as an ideal venue for both agriculture and non-agriculture indigenous micro-business activities and for the staging of promotional activities in the interest of the community.”
The policy sets out conditions relating to hut owners, temporary vendors, marketing and promotion and general conditions.
There is emphasis on proposed products for sale utilizing Cook Islands resources-raw materials, intellectual property that is, ideas/designs, domestic labour. Also applicants are to be indigenous micro-business promoting locally made (as opposed to imported) products. Vendors must be natural Cook Islanders and permanent residents.
On page six of the document under “Eligibilty” of Temporary Vendors, the policy says; “ The market was established to cater specifically for the indigenous micro-businesses. As such, the “big players” are not encouraged to operate from the market. Small businesses who already have an outlet(s) on the island may be allowed to set up another outlet at the market.”
One of the interesting general conditions bans religious crusades in the market compound (page eight). This activity is now considered a non-core function of the market due to strong opposition from market tenants and clientele says the document.

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