Initial research survey finds in favour of Whangarei Growers’ Market

A NorthTec research team has started gathering data for an investigation into the social and economic impact of the Whangarei Growers Market.

Students from the Research Methods paper and NorthTec business staff carried out the initial survey of the market's customers recently.

This first survey aimed to find out what the local Whangarei community and visitors valued about the Grower's Market and early analysis reveals that the market enjoys strong support from its loyal customers.

Eighty six percent of those surveyed to date attend the market either weekly or fortnightly, often getting up early on a Saturday morning, sometimes in wet weather, to mix and mingle and buy local Northland produce. Customers also value the atmosphere of the market and the quality of the produce.

Further research will identify the economic value of the market with the assistance of Dr. Warren Hughes, a nationally renowned economist.

The next step into the research is to interviews of stall holders and wholesale customers for their views on the market and its performance.

Peter Bruce, who led a team in 2012 to identify the social and economic impact of Refining NZ’s $365 million expansion project, leads the current research team.

Fellow Business Management staff member Anne Patrick co-ordinates the student input into the project and is delighted with the opportunities for her students be involved in applied research while tutor Sheila Romer brings expertise in market dynamics and applied research.

Most of those surveyed are keen to see the research report which will be made available publicly on completion.

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