Five detailed options for the future of the Night Market were provided to Council recently, each with their own analysis of costs, risks, running options, vendor viability, management levels and community benefits.

After considering extensive community, vendor and local business feedback on location trials, and reviewing applications from potential external operators through an Expressions of Interests process, Council voted to keep market management inhouse, with the implementation of further operational efficiencies to improve financial sustainability and reduce the cost to rate payers.

As part of Council's annual planning process for the (2025/26 annual plan), elected members asked the Chief Executive to investigate other options to potentially run the Night Market by another operator or at an alternative location.

A location trial began in Kuirau Park on 9 October 2025. Vendors, customers and community members were given the opportunity to provide feedback on the two locations (Kuirau Park and Tūtānekai Street). More than 370 people completed the survey and the results were provided to Council at its meeting last week.

Key themes included the importance of returning the market to the inner-city to attract people into town, having the market run all year round and the importance of space for entertainment/festivals and good car parking.

In January 2026, Expressions of Interest opened for external operators to manage the Rotorua Night Market. Four proposals were received but all included either the need for significant ongoing Council funding, location changes (conflicting with survey results which showed 71-78% prefer the inner city), or infrastructure requirements.

Alex Wilson, Group Manager, Community Experience, said it was important to take the time to trial a new location, compare the two sites and explore other management options.

“It has really cemented what it is that community and businesses want from the Night Market. Trialling a new location really highlighted the additional benefits the market provides over and above just providing a market.”

“The decisions to keep Night Market management within Council gives us the ability to continue to support and grow other benefits that relate to the market”.

As well as a driver of visitation to the inner city, the market brings increased economic activity, benefitting local retail and hospitality businesses. Investigations into available data showed a weekly $3,000 (average) increase in card spending from locals and domestic visitors on Thursday nights when the market is on.

The Night Market also serves as a low-risk business incubator, allowing entrepreneurs to test products before committing to permanent premises.

The Night Market provides a venue for multicultural performances and celebrations, and works well as a ready-made audience for groups and or touring companies to promote shows.

Civic and major events have also used the market in the past with great success. Annual events like Halloween, Matariki, Waitangi Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve Whānau Markets are well attended, as was the NRL Indigenous All Star jersey presentation ahead of the big game at the Rotorua International Stadium in 2023.

Mrs Wilson says the Night Market team will continue to work with vendors to implement further efficiencies, which will include some fee increases to support the financial sustainability of the market for years to come.

“The Rotorua Night Market will continue to provide a fantastic gathering spot on Thursdays for locals and visitors alike.”

The Rotorua Night Market runs each Thursday evening (weather dependent) from 5pm – 9pm (summer hours), located on Tūtānekai Street.