“The quality of creatives coming through and wanting to be part of General Collective is really exciting,” says Rose Barbarich, founder of General Collective. “We pride ourselves on creating a market experience that is really unique and part of what keeps people coming back is the quality of our stallholders – it’s a real thrill to be able to support these up and coming New Zealand businesses.”
New brands joining their next event include Mumma Jo’s who rescue nana’s old carpets from landfill and repurpose them into gorgeous rugs, Lucie Blaze who deck out limited edition skateboards with colourful and surreal artwork, and local artist collective Further Doings Studio who are showcasing work from The Blanket Project which supports New Zealand art while raising money for Women’s Refuge. The lineup is carefully curated to ensure there’s something to peak everyone’s interest.
Sarah Withers from A Little Wild who create eco kids toys and play experiences says she is excited about making their General Collective debut. “We feel really privileged to be a part of the market. We strongly believe that buying from local businesses and supporting local creators is one of the best things you can do for New Zealand's economy and for the planet. There is a wealth of wonderful, creative makers in New Zealand and we want people to be able to easily find things that support these people and the efforts they put into making precious things that they are passionate about,” she says.
With over 200 stalls at their Lifestyle & Design Market, market favourites include Auckland based fashion designers Ribbon on a Bombshell, gorgeous handcrafted homewares and treasures from Claybird Ceramics and contemporary jewellery by Love Winter.
As with all General Collective markets, there is plenty to keep the whole family entertained including kids activity and LEGO stations dotted throughout the venue, face painting, book signings by Kuwi the Kiwi creator Kat Merewether, and kokedama demonstrations by Coastal Flair.
General Collective also take refuelling seriously, so you’ll find great coffee, a bar to quench your thirst and some of Auckland’s best street food vendors including Rolling Pin Dumplings, Double Dutch Fries, Grown Up Donuts and Bun Hun, the exciting new venture by food truck royalty Debbie Orr of Judge Bao fame.
Check out What's On for the next General Collective Market in Auckland.
Written by Catriona Montalvo
