Punanga Nui Market returning to Ministry of Agricuture

As of 1 July 2012, the Punanga Nui Market will be back under the wing of the Ministry of Agriculture after a short but highly developmental phase under the Business Trade Investment Board (BTIB).
The Times was advised of this on Friday morning by Anthony Brown, Secretary for Agriculture although an official announcement is yet to be made.
Previously under the Ministry of Agriculture for some 8-9 years, during its term under the BTIB, the Market has picked up significantly vendor wise and commercially and a number of improvements have been made.
Market management also tightened up under new manager Elmah McBirney.
While under BTIB’s watch the market’s turnover has grown to around $150,000 per year from vendor rentals due to the increase in vendors and improved payments. Government’s dividend according to Budget documents is $30,000 per year with the remainder going towards market related expenses like maintenance and wages for staff.
This year’s Budget document (Part 1, page 60) interestingly shows that for this year and the next two years, no dividend is payable to government and there is no explanation as to why.
It is possible government may use this dividend towards upcoming improvements planned. NZ Aid is putting up $180,000 (to be completed by August) for a new stage and other upgrades.
According to Brown there has been some concern from vendors that the market was becoming too commercialized and developing into a business entity in its own right, when the original concept was for an outlet for the small grower and craftsperson.
Further growth and extensions into the harbour will see extra pathways established along with plans for an information centre and parking for the disabled.
BTIB CEO Terry Rangi declined to comment prior to going to print saying the Minister Hon Mark Brown may wish to make a statement following Cabinet on Friday afternoon.
With a number of upgrades progressing at the time of handover, it is possible there may be a short transition period to ensure the handover is a smooth one. -Charles Pitt

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