A place for makers, creatives of all sorts, and now lifelong learners! The Garden City Mākete is back on July 19 and, for the first time, Risingholme will be there helping curious visitors take their next step to learning something new.
The Mākete is one of the city’s largest markets and continues to grow each year. This Midwinter edition marks an exciting step for the market as it expands to include course providers like Risingholme so visitors have the opportunity to turn their inspiration into action and go from admiring beautiful creations to learning how to make their own! Come along, meet the tutors and feel empowered to connect with learning opportunities that expand your creativity and challenge you to try something new.
Ahead of the market, Our Community Liaison Co-ordinator, Bojana, spoke with Garden City Mākete organiser and curator Leah. Read on to learn more about the initiative and about what it takes to build not just a market but a creatively driven community.
Bojana: Kia ora Leah! Tell us a little bit about yourself and Garden City Mākete. How did the idea come about and what’s your favourite part of running these events?
Leah: I actually started out as a stallholder, casually selling plants as a fun little hobby. From there, I began helping others, supporting markets, and organising pop-up artisan events here and there over the years. It wasn’t until I ran my first proper market at Papa Hou with over 50 amazing makers that I realised, this is creative work too! That success gave me the confidence to grow it into something bigger, and now here we are, running seasonal events like the Garden City Mākete as a full-time gig!
My favourite part? Hands down, market day. Seeing the creativity, and all the people coming together, it still makes me excited every single time.
Bojana: What made you take the leap into starting the Mākete? How did you overcome that sense of nervousness and doubt that often comes with trying something new and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone?
Leah: I’ve always been someone who loves creating and connecting, I grew up studying drama, singing, and performing in school productions, Court Theatre classes, and leading youth groups. That experience really took the fear out of stepping up into the public limelight and giving things a go.
So, when the idea for the Mākete came along, I didn’t see “I can’t” I thought, “Let’s do it!” Of course, trying something new always comes with a few nerves, but I’ve learned to lean into the excitement rather than the fear. That performance background definitely helped give me the confidence and support to do this.
Bojana: You and your small team have seen the Garden City Mākete grow from strength to strength since the first market in 2021. What do you think is the appeal of these kinds of events, both for the makers and visitors?
Leah: I truly believe it’s all about people and community! These markets are more than just a place to shop, they’re a space where makers and visitors can connect, be inspired & share stories. There’s something really special about meeting the person behind the product, that face-to-face connection brings a real sense of pride, belonging, and joy. And it wouldn’t be possible without our incredible volunteers and the wider community of helpers who support each event. The Mākete is truly crafted by a community, and that’s what makes it so magical.
Bojana: At Risingholme we see our learners come up with some wonderful, creative, and truly inspired makes—particularly in our Arts and Crafts courses. You must have seen some amazing makers over the years too! Have any of them inspired you and your work? Has your idea of creativity changed over time as the market has expanded and welcomed different types of artisans?
Leah: Absolutely! I’m constantly inspired by the makers who come through the Mākete — their creativity, passion, and the stories behind their work are amazing. A few definitely spring to mind…
Over time, seeing such a diverse mix of artisans has really expanded my idea of what creativity is. It’s not just about the final product — it’s about the process, the purpose, and the heart behind it. Every event
reminds me that creativity comes in so many forms, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Bojana: The Garden City Mākete is one of the biggest markets of its kind in Ōtautahi and often hosts between 180-200 stalls (and fills out Wolfbrook Arena!). Logistically speaking, how do you do it?! You must have a great system and support team behind you.
Leah: Haha — heaps of wine and the occasional “why am I doing this again?” moment!
Honestly, it’s all about the passion. For me, putting together the Mākete is like crafting a living masterpiece, every stall, every layout decision, every artisan placement is part of a bigger creative vision. It’s a huge logistical puzzle (spreadsheets are my best friend along with post it notes!), but the excitement that builds as it all comes together is unmatched.
Then the doors open and you see thousands of people pouring in, exploring, connecting, and being inspired, that’s the magic!!! That’s why I do it. It’s chaotic, creative, exhausting and absolutely worth every single moment. Where can you get a job like that!
Bojana: Risingholme Learning was originally Risingholme Community Centre and, much like a marketplace, community centres have always been a hub of activity, enabling exchange, expression, and social connection. You describe the Garden City Mākete as ‘a community-driven marketplace’. What do you mean by this and why is community important to you?
Leah: At the heart of the Mākete is community, learning, and inspiration — and that’s something I’m incredibly proud of. We’re not just a marketplace; we’re a space where creativity is shared, celebrated, breathed and passed from one maker to the next that’s my aim here.
One of the most special parts for me is sponsoring sites for up-and-coming artisans, some as young as 12, others into their retirement, who are selling their very first handmade pieces right alongside seasoned artists. Their creativity and skill have truly earned them that opportunity and it’s such a joy to see their work celebrated in the same space.
So, in answer to your question, those moments of connection, encouragement, and shared passion between generations are what truly bring the Mākete to life. It’s not about shopping, it’s about discovering new talents, learning from one another, and creating a space where creativity can thrive at any age or stage.
And when I say we, I really mean it. The makers, the visitors, the team, the volunteers, every single person plays a role in creating the magic. It’s a collective effort, and that sense of community is what makes this event so special. You will also see this captured in our upcoming marketing banners in the next few arena events.
Bojana: You run these markets multiple times a year. Are they different each time? What’s new at the Midwinter Christmas Mākete?
Leah: Yep – each market is totally different! I curate every event from scratch, hand-picking a fresh mix of makers, adding new features (sorry that’s a secret), and shaping the vibe around the season. Hence the last-minute invites some people may receive asking to join us! Let’s do it!!
This Midwinter Mākete is all about creating something special during a quieter time of year when there is not much on, we have a thoughtfully curated lineup of talented artisans from across Aotearoa coming together. There are a few fun surprises too I like to add but you’ll have to come see for yourself around the added direction we are taking over the next few events.
Bojana: I love that the Mākete is not just a typical place to shop but a way for people to discover new makers, new crafts, and now courses too! Was this expansion into showcasing learning experiences always part of the plan? How did it come about and what made you connect with Risingholme?
Leah: Our vision has always been that we’re not just a market! From the start, it’s been about creating a full-circle experience — see it, learn it, make it.
Adding learning brings emotional depth to the event. It moves the market beyond just discovering beautiful things to discovering skills, passions, and the creativity within ourselves. So, partnering with Risingholme felt like a natural fit. Your wide range of courses and the talented tutors behind them made it an easy and meaningful choice.
Together, I feel we’re supporting the wider creative community and growing the handmade economy, and I love that! Learning adds richness to the Mākete and helps inspire the next wave of makers, many of whom are probably wandering the stalls right now, just waiting for that little spark and to try it themselves.
Bojana: Speaking of learning experiences, is there anything that you’re learning at the moment or would like to learn someday? Any Risingholme courses on your radar?
Leah: I’d love to learn pottery, it’s been on my list for ages! There’s something so grounding and creative about shaping something with your hands. So, in answer to your question, yes, a Risingholme pottery class is definitely on my radar, I just need to find a little time between markets to actually do it!
Bojana: What are you most looking forward to on market day? Do you have time to wander around and soak in the atmosphere or are you busy behind the scenes making sure everything is running smoothly?
Leah: Once the doors open, there’s nothing more I can do, as they say, the show goes on if you’re ready or not!! The team take over as my job is finished. I always sneak up to the top of the arena as it’s the best seat in the house! From up there, I get to soak up the buzz, watch the hustle unfold, and see those joyful faces discovering all the magic below. And I also share that with the artisans at their stalls also.
Bojana: We can’t wait to see you there among the crowds. Thanks for taking the time to have a chat and for sharing a bit more about your kaupapa and vision for this fantastic event! We’re very excited to be a part of it as it continues to evolve and to work alongside you to support makers, do-ers, and learners take their next step in giving something new a go.
Leah: A big thank you for recognising the potential in what we’re building, there really is something special here. I truly believe that, together, we can take this well beyond just a market. There’s so much opportunity to grow, inspire, and create something lasting — not just for our local community, but for people right across Aotearoa. I’m so excited about what’s ahead!
Head along to the Garden City Mākete on Saturday 19 July, 12pm-8pm at Wolfbrook Arena. Tickets are free, you can get yours here.
Stop by Risingholme’s stall to chat with our staff and tutors, and join in on interactive drop-in activities happening throughout the day.
