Some Markets Closed Some Open this Weekend Tasman/Nelson

The Saturday and Sunday markets in Nelson are closed this weekend as there needs to be a clarification in the rushed traffic light Legislation.

Farmer’s markets are allowed, as they are like supermarkets, but what happens when everything else is sold there like clothes, crafts, pottery etc. Do you then need to have the market only open to people who have the My Vaccine Pass. I am seeking clarification from the Minister concerning this.

Nita Knight the manager and organiser of the Nelson Market and Monty’s Sunday Market has said “now that the Covid virus is in the Nelson Community, the Nelson Market and Monty’s Sunday Market will be closed until further notice. The Covid virus spreads like wildfire so we need to stop and look carefully at how we can operate safely and as soon as possible.” Nita understands that it is a little complicated and that they have to reassess how they run the market.

Christmas shoppers will be pleased though as the Nelson Markets will probably be open next weekend the 11th and 12th of December.

It has been posted on Nita’s Facebook page that: “fantastic..exciting New Market.. Richmond A & P Showgrounds every Sunday All welcome 10-3pm..We will be there from now on.....not organised by me..just saying…” This all seems a bit confusing as I can’t find out who is going to organise this market and when it will actually open.

The Village Market at Takaka is running as usual. I have been advised by Grant Knowles that “due to the location and size of the Village Market it is not possible to fence the border so we have no choice other than to run it without a My Vaccine Passport, therefore I am limited to 100 people and masks.”

The Motueka Sunday Market is opening with, scan in Covid Vaccine Passports for both stallholders and the public, face coverings, and maintaining one metre social distance. The Manager asks that “if you feel unwell, please stay at home and join us another day.”