A Year in Review 2025 – Ōtaki Women’s Community Club
- Claire Roper
- 2 days ago
- 9 min read
The word community isn’t just part of our name, it’s at the heart of everything we do. From high teas to markets, school workshops to national recognition, 2025 has been a year of connection, growth, and celebration for the Ōtaki Women’s Community Club (OWCC).
Our Sewing Group launched this year, designing and stitching colourful flags to brighten up our markets. Look out in 2026 for these beautiful new flags.
February
February was all about education and community partnerships. We hosted a workshop at Waitohu School, helping tamariki learn about what it means to be a sustainable entrepreneur, turning creativity into meaningful business ideas that care for the planet. We were also honoured to be invited to the Pōwhiri of Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki for Waitangi Day, strengthening our connection with mana whenua and recognising the importance of kotahitanga.
March
In March we said goodbye to Margaret Ellis
We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family and friends. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. Rest in peace, Margaret. Your stories, laughter, and spirit will remain in our hearts always.
We fired up the BBQ with our local Ōtaki and Te Horo Volunteer Fire Brigades, showing our appreciation for their ongoing mahi.
Partnering with Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, we celebrated Children’s Day, creating a day of fun, whānau and laughter.
We also celebrated International Women’s Day, reflecting on the strength and mana of women in our community.
April
The year truly got underway in April with two vibrant events, the Ōtaki Kids Market and the Easter Market, both bursting with colour, creativity, and community spirit. These events continue to offer a safe and supportive space for young entrepreneurs to develop their skills, connect with customers, and showcase their talents.
A big farewell hug to Pierre and Freddy, the legendary “Pretty Boys”! The Pretty Boys passed on the reins to another group of talented singers for the Kids Market. The Pretty Boys have been such an awesome part of the Ōtaki Kids Market whānau over the past two years.
We were thrilled to support young Ōtaki local and rising canoe polo star, Bailey Johns. Bailey has been making waves in the sport, recently winning school qualifiers and claiming gold at the national championships.The Otaki Women’s Community Club is proud to support her journey as she continues to excel in canoe polo.
June
In June we proudly supported the Ōtaki College Night Market and partnered with Māoriland for a stunning Matariki celebration on Main Street. We helped local student Jeana on her exciting journey to Spain through a student exchange programme.
Teaming Up for Matariki: A Magical Day with the Māoriland
We had the absolute joy of participating in the Māoriland Matariki Ramaroa, and what an incredible day it was! Matariki is always a special time in Aotearoa, a time of reflection, renewal, and connection. We were proud to team up and provide a collection of vibrant Otaki Market craft stalls. Being part of the Māoriland Matariki celebration has left us inspired and energised.
Lighting Up the Night: Ōtaki Market & Ōtaki College Night Market Collaboration
Our Otaki Market team was proud to team up with Ōtaki College for this special fundraiser event and provide market stalls. Of course, it wouldn’t be a proper Night Market without delicious kai, live music, fire dancing, a bouncy castle, train rides and twinkling lights.
From Spain with Love: Jeana's Life-Changing Exchange Journey
Embarking on an exchange trip to Spain was a life-changing experience for Jeana (a 16 year old Ōtaki College Student), filled with both challenges and unforgettable moments. The Ōtaki Women's Community Club, were delighted to offer funding for Jeana's trip and loved having her fundraise at the Ōtaki Kids Market and Ōtaki Market.
We also said a heartfelt farewell to Sherryl Gray, the visionary founder of the Ōtaki Market, whose passion and commitment built the foundation we continue to grow from today.
June also saw a new Executive Committee elected, bringing fresh energy and ideas to the club. President, Tracey Humphrey, Secretary Alice and Treasurer Kara Taogaga.
July
In July, the OWCC attended the Electra Business Event, connecting with other local leaders and innovators. The energy, ideas, and conversations were a real reminder of what makes our region special.
The Otaki Kids Market had a meet and greet with Otaki MP Tim Costley and the Minister of Finance Nicola Willis.
Our volunteer efforts were recognised both locally and nationally, with features by Volunteer Kāpiti and Volunteering New Zealand celebrating the OWCC’s contribution to community life.
We received excellent feedback from our three entries in the New Zealand Events Association Awards for:
Ōtaki Kids Market: Thank you for submitting your market entry. I loved reading about the incredible work you have been doing to uplift the skills and aspirations of all the market stall holders. Your entrepreneurial movement clearly demonstrates a strong commitment to empowering individuals and community. Keep up the fantastic work — your dedication is making a meaningful difference!
2024 Christmas Market: Thank you for your Ōtaki Christmas Market entry. The revival of a lost classic looks like it was a huge success. Challenging yourselves with such a tiny online marketing budget set a real test, which you met head-on. Your community spirit and commitment to engagement truly shine through.
2024 Camping & Craft Expo: What a great way to innovate your already well-established market in Ōtaki. It sounds like it was a great success combining camping, fishing and crafting. Congratulations on achieving double your targeted attendance, it’s clearly hit a gap in the local market to attract 70% from outside of Ōtaki.
Shout out to - Otaki Hunting & Fishing New Zealand for being event partners!
We extended our reach to support Levin Intermediate in hosting their own Kids Market. This was a special pop up kids market to help fundraise for the young people who are travelling to Japan for a student exchange experience.
August
We delivered three successful markets, supported seven community groups, and celebrated a major win at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards - for Kapiti.
The Ōtaki Kids Market won the Education and Child Development category at the Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards! This award is a celebration of our incredible young stallholders, their supportive whānau, our dedicated volunteers and the local businesses who champion our tamariki and rangatahi.
Our new Kids Market Facebook page continued to grow, building an engaged community of families and supporters.
Wellington on a Plate - High Tea Event
Our High Tea Event sold out in record time, a true testament to the community’s enthusiasm and support. The High Tea showcased the value of hands-on experience in building future careers. From running front-of-house to waiting tables, whipping up treats as junior chefs, and even providing live entertainment, they did it all.
We even received a letter from Buckingham Palace, recognising the club’s community contribution!
September
In September we supported In Other Words Ōtaki, a celebration of local storytelling, and welcomed Anam Cara Gardens as guest speakers at our Women’s Group. We were proud to support In Other Words, Ōtaki. Kia rerekē te hua, Ōtaki This event saw talented storytellers bring together ideas and creative energy in a 10-day storyteller residency programme that celebrated fresh voices and new perspectives.
The Story of Anam Cara Gardens
We were so lucky to have Tim and Teresa Grigg visit our meeting to share the rich history of Anam Cara Gardens – a place with deep roots and a beautiful vision.
October
October was full of energy with multiple Kids Markets, including a special pop-up at Coastlands. We partnered once again with Hunting & Fishing Ōtaki to deliver the popular Camping & Craft Expo, showcasing local artisans, outdoor enthusiasts, and community spirit.
Good in the Hood!
A huge thank you to Z Energys Good in the Hood and our amazing Kapiti community! Their support made a real difference for the Ōtaki Kids Market, helping us continue to create opportunities for our young stallholders to learn, grow, and shine. We’re so grateful to everyone who voted, spread the word, and stood behind our tamariki and rangatahi – your backing helps us build a strong, creative future together.
Otaki Kids Market Pop Up at Coastlands
A huge thank you to Karyn Andreassend from the Kāpiti Coast District Council’s Economic Development team, and to Nicky Hughes-Richards, Anna Colville-Smith, and the amazing team at Coastlands Shoppingtown for making the Otaki Kids Market Pop-Up at Coastlands a reality. It was an unforgettable experience for our tamariki and rangatahi, giving them the opportunity to run their stalls in Kāpiti’s largest retail space!
Awards!
October saw the Ōtaki Kids Market named on the Sustainable Business Network’s Next List for 2025, recognising young innovators and entrepreneurs making a difference. This list celebrates visionary leaders driving transformational change. Highlighting individuals and teams pushing boundaries, shifting mindsets and setting new standards for what’s possible.
We loved collaborating with Anam Cara Gardens and Seriously Pickled to deliver a sold-out Wellington on a Plate Event! And were thrilled to see them both recognised at the Business Kapiti Business Event for their contribution to the Otaki Kids Market Wellington on a Plate Event.
November
November marked the exciting announcement of the Ōtaki Kids Market Ambassador, recognising a young person who embodies creativity, kindness, and leadership. Our Otaki Kids Market Facebook Group reached 100 members.
Kāpiti Coast Art Trail
We also took part in the Kāpiti Coast Art Trail, celebrating the creative heart of our community, with Ruth and her sister Pauline spotted in the Otaki Mail. The Kāpiti Coast Art Trail, hosted by the Ōtaki Women’s Community Club, at a special location at our Club Presidents home.
We were very proud to be a finalist at the Electra Business & Innovation Awards - and while we didn't take home the top spot, we received amazing feedback from the Judges.
Judges' comments: "The Ōtaki Women’s Community Club is an outstanding example of community leadership, purpose, and resilience in action. The judges were deeply impressed by your transformation of the Otaki Market into a thriving, self-sustaining community hub that not only supports local enterprise but strengthens social connection and economic wellbeing."
"The judges commend and congratulate you on the introduction of the Otaki Kids Market which is an inspiring, forward-looking initiative that builds confidence and entrepreneurial skills in young people"
The Kids Market has a double win in November
The Ōtaki Women’s Community Club was proud to announce that the Otaki Kids Market has been named the winner of the Education & Child/Youth Development category at the 2025 Wellington Airport Regional Community Awards.
Tracey Humphrey, President, OWCC:
"The Ōtaki Market has been running for (nearly) 30 years, making it the oldest market on the Kāpiti Coast. It’s powered entirely by a small team of volunteers from the Ōtaki Women’s Community Club. The Kids Market is one of our proudest initiatives, it gives local tamariki a chance to grow their confidence, learn new skills, and sparkle in front of their community.
We’re honoured to receive this award. With no outside funding, our market survives purely through raffles, sausage sizzles, and stall fees, and the dedication of our small team of volunteers. The Kids Market is a testament to what a community can achieve when everyone pitches in."
Claire Roper was honoured to have received the Metlifecare Poutoko Hapori / Community BLAKE Award for Leadership Thursday night at The Pā (The University of Waikato).
This award recognises the Ōtaki Kids Market. What began as a simple idea, creating space for young people to learn, grow, and gain real-world confidence, has become a vibrant community where entrepreneurship, creativity, and connection flourish.
December
The year ended on a high note with two major events for our tamariki and rangatahi, the Kāpiti Food Fair and the Ōtaki Kids Christmas Market spreading festive cheer and bringing together stallholders, families, and visitors from across the region. We crowned Deanna Smith the Kids Market Ambassador and the Kids Christmas Market, with runner up Hester.
Meeting the Prime Minister
The Kids Market also go an opportunity to meet with the Prime Minister, at a business event. Deanna stepped confidently into her (newly appointed Kids Ambassador) leadership role, guiding the group and asking on behalf of all our stallholders:
“We are from the Ōtaki Kids Market and all have micro businesses. How do you plan to support young people like us?”
It was a proud moment watching our rangatahi stand tall, speak with confidence, and represent the hard work, creativity, and determination that define the Kids Market.
OWCC Christmas Party
We celebrated in style for our Christmas Party with a feast and a couple of glasses of bubbles and plenty of laughter.
As always, the proceeds from market stall fees went straight back into the community, supporting local groups, schools, and initiatives that make Ōtaki such a special place to live.
Looking Ahead
2025 was a year of milestones, recognition, and heartfelt community connection.From local partnerships to national awards, the Ōtaki Women’s Community Club continues to grow in impact and reach, led by volunteers who care deeply about our town and its people.Together, we’ll continue to celebrate, support, and strengthen our beautiful community.
Next year we celebrate 30 years of an all-female lead market. The longest running market on the Kapiti Coast.
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