As the inevitable occurs and we move to more wholesome food choices – from the ubiquitous TV Dinner era in the 60’s to glorious looking but tasteless genetically engineered fruit and vegetables – we now come full circle to the need to know where our food comes from and to connect with the product in a way that we feel a loyalty to it.

As timely as ever, Chef Martin Bosley and Rachel Taulelei of Yellow Brick Road decided that just because Wellington was a city it shouldn’t miss out on the Farmer’s Market movement. With both in the hospitality and cuisine industry, they were keenly aware of how fantastic Wellington region is in producing top end cuisine products. Both are passionate about supporting these small companies and hence City Market was born.

The City Market launched itself on the Wellington consumers on 14th June – who opens a new retail business in the middle of winter and the middle of a recession?! Wellington showed their support and enthusiasm by coming out in droves. Hail and 80km gusts never bothered Wellingtonians anyway...certainly never kept them away from fine food and wine.

The Wairarapa has jumped on board and is showing that this region punches way above its weight in the production of quality cuisine. Those that sneak over the hill from Welly every weekend know this and now can’t believe their luck that the Wairarapa producers have come to them on a Sunday. Amongst a group of 25 fine providores we have 8 representatives from the Wairarapa: Lot Eight Olive Oil (gorgeous packaging and who can resist Nalini & Colin); French Baker (Moises’ sourdough mmm..); Bursham’s of Martinborough (Bacon like it’s supposed to be – there is no better); Lavender’s Green (Lemons & Limes used as Grandma did – curds and cordials); Archer McRae (wine gems from Martinborough’s hidden treasures); Schoc Chocolate (Greytown’s therapy) and Martinborough Manner (homegrown fruit jams). On the cheese stall we feature with Cwmglyn Farm and Kingsmeade. What an amazing showing from this region!

Sunday’s will never be the same, gone are the eggs on toast or spag bog...it’s now whip into the Market and serve up unbelievably delicious, stylish and fresh dinner with wine that is world class and hidden in Martinborough.

The only question is why do I get up every Sunday morning to travel to Wellington City to pick up my Sunday dinner from people that I see every day in the Wairarapa...go figure?!

Take a trip to City Market on Sunday – it’s the new meeting place for all self-confessed foodies. The atmosphere there is just so addictive and inspiring – get yourself there!

Cath Hopkin is Market Director for City Market and is based in Greytown. If you think you’d like to have a stall at the Market, you can contact her on:

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Sundays 8:30am to 12:30pm,
Chaffers Dock in the Atrium
1 Herd Street, Wellington