Kids Market Ambassador | Otaki Market

Ambassador

Ōtaki Kids Market

2026

Applications open 1 -31 October 2025

KIDS MARKET AMBASSADOR?

ARE YOU THE

We’re looking for a young person for 2026 who stands out not just for their business skills, but for their passion, creativity, and positive attitude.

The ideal Otaki Kids Market Ambassador is someone who loves being part of the market, shows kindness to others, and is excited to support and inspire fellow young stallholders.

The Otaki Market Team

$100

Visit to Parliament

30 minute

mentor session

Newspaper

Interview

Honorary Membership

Certificate & online article

NOMINEES

All nominees will receive a digital certificate

FINALISTS

Finalists will receive a digital 2026 Kids Ambassador badge and digital certificate

WINNER

$100: The ambassador will receive $100 to invest in their business (Sponsored by Kelly & Co)
Parliament Visit: Ambassador will have the unique opportunity to meet Tim Costly, Ōtaki MP, at his office in Parliament, providing insight into leadership at the national level.
Mentoring Session - a 30 minute mentoring session with a local business owner.
Blog Feature & Bio: Ambassador will be featured on the OWCC article and have their bio displayed on the OWCC website.
Ōtaki Kids Market: Will have the opportunity to choose their site at the Ōtaki Kids Market
Ambassador digital logo: Winner will receive the 2026 digital winners badge for their social media, website (if applicable) and resume.
Letter of Recommendation: Ambassador will receive a recommendation letter from the Ōtaki Women’s Community Club (OWCC).
Public Speaking Opportunity: Ambassador will be invited to speak at one Otaki Women’s Community Club meeting
Media Representation: Ambassador will act as spokespersons for the Kids Market and if the opportunity arises may be asked to participate in TV, radio, and newspaper opportunities.
Networking Invitations: Ambassador will be invited (were applicable) to attend awards and networking events related to the Kids Market.

Our Judges

The selection process for the Ōtaki Kids Market Ambassador will be a thoughtful and comprehensive evaluation of each applicant's entrepreneurial spirit, leadership potential, and enthusiasm for representing the Kids Market. After applications close, candidates will be shortlisted based on their answers to the application questions, with a focus on their business vision, community engagement, achievements at the Kids Market and personal growth goals.

Tracey Humphries

President

Otaki Women's Community Club

Leon Kingi

Business Owner

Black & Co

Tracey Savage

Co-Director

Kelly & Co

terms and conditions

Applications are open from 1 October - 31 October 2025. Judging takes place from 1 November - 16 November.

Finalists will be announced from Week commencing 17 November

Winner announced 24 November 2025 and will be presented a their certificate at the Sunday 7 December Kids Christmas Market 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must be between the ages of 10-19 and have participated in at least two Ōtaki Kids Market prior to applying.
Commitment: Ambassadors must commit to a 12-month term, during which they may be called upon for media and networking events.
Media Representation: Ambassadors when required will be first called upon to represent the Kids Market in public forums, including TV, radio, and print media, and act as positive role models for youth entrepreneurship when required.
Report: Ambassadors will be required to speak/present their business/stall at one Otaki Women's Community Club meeting during their term.
Market Participation: Ambassadors must participate in at least three Kids Market events/acitivities during their 12 month term.
Confidentiality: Any sensitive or proprietary information shared with ambassadors through their mentorship or involvement in the programme must be kept confidential.
Ambassador Badge: Ambassadors will be provided with a digital badge, for their website, social media
Certificate: The Ambassador will receive an official certificate
Prize money: The $100 prize money (sponsored by Kelly & Co) must be used for business-related expenses, such as purchasing supplies, improving product quality, marketing efforts etc.
Ambassador Term: Is for one year, from January 2026 - December 2026
Can I put myself forward for the Kids Market Ambassador? Yes – 100%! We strongly encourage young people to put themselves up for this award. It’s all about believing in yourself, celebrating what you’ve achieved, and showing us why you’d be a great Ambassador. Don’t be shy – this is your time to shine!
Team Applications Welcome! If you run your stall as a team — like siblings or friends working together — you’re absolutely welcome to apply! Just make sure you complete one application together and let us know who’s in your team. If selected as the 2026 Kids Market Ambassador, the title and cash prize will be shared by your team (no more than three per team as per Kids Market T&Cs). Please make sure at least someone in your team is 10 years and older as of 1 November 2025.
Can I nominate someone for the Kids Market Ambassador? No, unfortunately nominations aren’t accepted — but you can absolutely encourage a young person to apply! This programme is all about helping young people recognise their own potential and take pride in putting themselves forward. A little encouragement from someone they trust can go a long way.
Can I apply next year? The Ambassador winner is not able to apply again the next year, however finalists, runners up and entrants are encouraged to apply.

faqs

Can I put myself forward for the Kids Market Ambassador? Yes – 100%! We strongly encourage young people to put themselves up for this award. It’s all about believing in yourself, celebrating what you’ve achieved, and showing us why you’d be a great Ambassador. Don’t be shy – this is your time to shine!
Dates! Applications are open from 1 October - 31 October 2025. Judging takes place from 1 November - 16 November.
Finalists will be announced from Week commencing 17 November, with winner announced 24 November 2025.
Team Applications Welcome! If you run your stall as a team — like siblings or friends working together — you’re absolutely welcome to apply! Just make sure you complete one application together and let us know who’s in your team. If selected as the 2026 Kids Market Ambassador, the title and cash prize will be shared by your team (no more than three per team as per Kids Market T&Cs). Please make sure at least someone in your team is 10 years and older as of 1 November 2026.
Can I nominate someone for the Kids Market Ambassador? No, unfortunately nominations aren’t accepted — but you can absolutely encourage a young person to apply! This programme is all about helping young people recognise their own potential and take pride in putting themselves forward. A little encouragement from someone they trust can go a long way.
Who can apply to be the Kids Market Ambassador? Any young person aged 10 (as of 1 November 2025) to 19 years old who has attended at least two Ōtaki Kids Markets as a stallholder or helper can apply.
Do I have to write the application all by myself? It’s totally okay for your grown-up to help you with spelling or typing — but make sure the ideas and answers come from your heart. We want to hear your voice and your story.
Do I need to have a fancy business or lots of sales to apply? Not at all! We’re looking for someone who is passionate, kind, creative, and committed to growing their business and helping others. It’s about who you are, not how much you sell.

9. What questions will be in the application? Here's what we'll be asking our young entrepreneurs. What’s your business all about? (max 100 words) What do you sell, why did you choose this product, and what do you love most about running your stall? What makes YOU a great choice for this role?(max 100 words) Tell us about the awesome things you’ve done! Maybe you’ve helped someone, solved a tricky problem, stayed positive when things didn’t go to plan, or come up with fun new ideas. This can be at the market, school or in your community. What’s something you’re proud of from being at the Kids Market? (max 100 words) Share one or two achievements you’ve had, learning new skills, running the stall by yourself, enhancing your customer service skills, setting up your stall, making a new product. What’s a goal you’d like to achieve with your business in 2026? (max 100 words) It could be winning Best Kids Stall, growing your sales, selling out at a Kids Market, making something brand new, or anything else you’re proud to aim for. How would you encourage other kids to join the Ōtaki Kids Market?(max 100 words) Got any cool ideas for posters, videos, or school visits? We’d love to hear your thoughts on how to get more young stallholders involved.