How the Otaki Kids Market Began

Every great idea starts with a spark, and for me, that spark came from my eldest son. One day, he turned to me and said he wanted to make some money. It wasn’t about anything big or complicated, he simply wanted the chance to try something for himself, to create, sell, and see the results of his own hard work.

So, we gave it a go. He set up a tiny stall on the end of his Nanna’s table at the market, selling his second-hand toys. To our surprise, it was popular! He was thrilled to see people actually buying from him, and it gave him such a sense of pride.

Soon after, his younger brother wanted in on the action too. Together they decided to sell Halloween costumes in the run-up to, well, Halloween. Again, people loved it—and the boys loved working side by side, learning about setting prices, chatting to customers, and counting up their takings at the end of the day. Then when my youngest was old enough to have a stall, he joined in the fun as well.

Harrison at the Kids Market

Fletcher at the Kids Market

Campbell at the Kids Market

Over the next year, we had more young people running stalls. That’s when it really clicked for me: this wasn’t just about my boys. There were so many other kids with ideas, creativity, and energy, all wanting the chance to give it a go.

So, the Kids Market was born.

At first, it was just a small idea: a place where kids could set up a stall at the Otaki Market, sell what they’d made or baked, and learn the basics of running a business. But from that seed, it’s grown into something much bigger, a community event that celebrates young people’s talents and gives them real-world skills they’ll carry with them for life.

What started as one boy’s wish to earn some pocket money has turned into a movement. Kids are learning how to set prices, greet customers, manage money, and most importantly, believe in themselves. Parents tell me they’ve seen their children’s confidence soar, and every market day, I’m blown away by the creativity and determination on display.

Looking back, I’m so grateful my son asked that question. It gave me the push to create something that has become bigger than either of us imagined. The Otaki Kids Market isn’t just about stalls and sales, it’s about community, opportunity, and the belief that even our youngest entrepreneurs have something valuable to offer.

And to think, it all started with one simple idea: “Mum, I want to make some money.”