Stallholders at local markets say it is likely many will be driven away by exorbitant council charges stemming from central government legislation changes.
Changes to the 2014 Food Act for food stall operators begin in March and recent visits to markets by Kāpiti Council staff have left many stallholders wondering if their stalls will still be viable.
Barbara Chatters who organises the Te Horo Country Market she the new costs could see half the staffs gone which would effectively kill the market. She says they hold 10 markets a year in a small community and the fees just wouldn’t make it viable for many markets to continue.
Ms Chatters says an urgent meeting is being held at council to see if something can be sorted out.
Stallholders could be facing a bill of $900 in the first year to Kāpiti Council for licensing and food safety verification.
There will be some stallholders exempt but there is significant disquiet over the fees from the public as well as the marketers.
