Kiriau Turepu to chair new Punanga Nui Market Committee
Associate Minister for Agriculture Kiriau Turepu has stepped into the Chairman’s role for the Punanga Nui Market Committee which will assume responsibility for managing the Market.
Turepu told the Times on Friday morning he has taken this step because of recent concerns by members of the public and market vendors at the possible appointment of Rosie Blake, the former Manager of the Market, as Chairperson of the Committee.
He said some vendors had threatened to boycott the market on Saturday and some had said they were prepared to withhold their rental payments.
The new committee met for the first time on Friday morning at 9am.
Members of the new committee are; Sam Crocombe, Rosie Blake, Tony Armstrong, Teariki Buckley, Ina Bishop, Mii Quarter and Maara Pero. Danny Mataroa will be approached to join for his background in entertainment and promotions.
He said he wanted to make it clear to the public that current manager Elmah McBirnie will still be responsible for managing the daily operation of the market. She will continue as normal. Handling of finances will see signatures on cheques being McBirnie and either Sam Crocombe or Tony Armstrong. To tighten up further on finances, set amounts will be allocated for the daily operational needs and expenditure will be closely scrutinized.
As well as ongoing projects the new committee is considering a suggestion regarding erecting a long shelter for produce sellers to protect them from wet weather and to provide some shade from the sun. Also being looked at is a suggestion that parking be reserved for vendors along the stream at the port end and no members of the public be permitted to park within the market area.
The committee will meet again in about two weeks time.
Turepu said he will be Chairman for three months after which a new chairperson will need to be elected. -Charles Pitt

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