Kids Market Ambassador | Otaki Market

Kids Market

2027

Ambassador

Are you the 2027 Kids Market Ambassador?

Are you a young entrepreneur who loves the Kids Market, enjoys helping others and is ready to take on a leadership role? We're looking for our 2027 Kids Market Ambassador!

This is an exciting opportunity to represent the Kids Market, inspire and support other young entrepreneurs, share your experiences and help shape the future of our programme.

You'll have opportunities to develop your confidence, leadership and communication skills, get involved in special events and become a role model for other young people.

If you're passionate, enthusiastic and ready to make a difference, apply today.

Apply today

Copy of the Dream Workbook

Certificate & online article

$100

From the OWCC towards your business

2026 KIDS MARKET AMBASSADOR

Deanna stood out for her remarkable blend of compassion, creativity, and community focus. Through her business, No Strings Attached, she hand-makes macramé and knotwork items, including keychains, plant hangers, earrings, wall hangers, scrunchies, and dog toys, with the purpose of raising money for those in need.

Deanna Smith - Stall: No Strings Attached

NOMINEES

All nominees will receive a digital certificate

FINALISTS

Finalists will receive a digital 2027 Kids Ambassador badge
Finalists Certificate

WINNER

$100: The ambassador will receive $100 to invest in their business (Sponsored by OWCC)
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 Kids Market
Ambassador digital logo: Winner will receive the 2027 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.

terms and conditions

Applications are open from 26 October - 22 November 2026. Judging takes place from 1 November - 16 November.

Finalists will be announced week commencing 30 November, Winner will be awarded at the Kids Christmas Market 6 December.

Eligibility: Applicants must be between the ages of 10-19 and have participated in at least two Ōtaki Kids Market events prior to applying.
Commitment: Ambassadors will commit to a 12-month term, where they will be invited first to represent the Kids Market at Networking events or any potential TV, radio, and print media. (This is optional)
Presentation: Ambassadors will be required to speak/present their business/stall at one Otaki Women's Community Club meeting during their term. (This is not scary, and all the ladies at the Women's Club will love to hear all about you)
Market Participation: Ambassadors are required to be at least three Kids Market events/activities during their 12 month term.
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 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 2027 - December 2027
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 2027 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.
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

Finalists will need to attend the Kids Christmas Market on 6 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 2027 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 2026) 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.