12 Jan 2026: Night Market expressions of interest process

Media: Local Democracy Reporter

Topic: Night Market expressions of interest process

Enquiry

Just looking at doing a follow on the night markets now they are back in the CBD.

Specifically, I see a tender is out for expressions of interest in running the market and had some questions about that.

Please see questions below.

A response by 2pm Monday would be greatly appreciated, if possible.

• Why has council decided to put management of the Rotorua Night Market out to
• What are RLC looking for in a new operator?
• Who will make the decision on who takes the tender if suitable parties are found?
• Are there any proposed contract terms at this stage, or ideas of what they might entail (such as length, funding arrangements, and revenue)?
• Would changing to a management service save RLC any money?
• How will council ensure the Night Market’s community focus, affordability for stallholders, and public safety are protected under new management?
• What timeline is there for the process?

Response

From Alex Wilson - Group Manager Community Experience:

As part of 2025/26 annual plan decision-making, elected members directed council’s CE to investigate the potential for the night market to be run by another operator, potentially in a new location.

As part of investigating options for the night market we are undertaking an expressions of interest (EOI) process seeking proposals from interested parties for the management of the market.

Investigation findings will be reported to Council in late February to inform elected members’ decision-making on the future of the night market.

Further steps and timelines will be dependent on the decision Council makes.

The EOI closes Thursday 5 February.

Extra information provided to reporter:

Please note, this is not a tender process.

See also:

• The following link on Council’s website to view the report relating to the Night Market as part of annual plan considerations: deliberations-proposal-for-night-market.pdf
• Go to this link in the meeting recording to view this part of the annual plan deliberations: https://youtu.be/V6GvzUMjhd0?t=16010