Claire Roper

A generation of eco-conscious young entrepreneurs is emerging in Otaki, thanks to Claire Roper.

Since launching the Otaki Kids Market, the mum-of-three from the Kapiti Coast has helped over 600 children learn business basics through a dedicated market space which encourages youth to be mindful of their products, methods and environmental impact.

In a world filled with mass-produced items and online shopping Claire says initiatives like these which draw a community together are more important than ever.

“The market ethos is all about empowering young people to see that they can make, create or bake without relying on plastic or bought items. With imagination and creativity, they can build their businesses in a way that cares for the planet,” she explains.

Each school holiday 90 children are involved in setting up over 52 stalls and learn how to set prices, greet customers, manage money, and work with confidence.

There is a strong emphasis on making products from scratch, or out of recycled products, and the market itself generates very little waste.

Children learn to think deeply about what they are putting up for sale and are encouraged with prizes like ‘Best Sustainable Product’ and ‘Best Sustainable Packaging’ which are decided by local judges.

“Most of our first timers start out by selling their pre-loved toys, clothes or books. Then progress from there. We have young people selling all sorts of products, from bug hotels to homemade “scrap” robots from their dad’s garage. Their own drawings and photography, art and paintings, plants, flowers, and baking,”

The catalyst moment for the market was in late 2022, when Claire saw how the positive response from other kids to her own son’s makeshift cardboard box toy stall at their regular market.

“At first it was just a small idea… But it’s grown into a community event that celebrates young people’s talents and gives them real-world skills they’ll carry with them for life,” she explains.

The Otaki Kids Market has also become a launchpad to get young entrepreneurs involved in other regional markets, as well as community days and cultural events.

Claire is passionate about giving back to the community where she grew up and has been heartened to see the market expand to draw children and teens from across the lower North Island and even as far as Nelson.

Inspiring kids to be resourceful, environmentally minded and financially savvy is something she would love to see grow across the country.

“I’d love to see the Ōtaki Kids Market model go nationwide. Teaching the framework we’ve built, so other communities can create their own successful kids markets. And because this market has no boundaries, it can be a space for all rangatahi and tamariki to have a voice, make and create, wherver they are,” Claire says.

The Ōtaki Kids Market is run on a small budget of $350, which includes marketing, paying for musical acts, and helpers from the college.

They rely heavily on community generosity and seek out sponsorship whereever possible.

“Without money for the traditional channels like print, radio, or paid digital ads, we had to think outside the box , so we focused on building trust and visibility. Encouraging more children to join, creating a vibrant mix of stalls, and working hard to build rapport with local businesses to help us offset costs and expand our reach,” she says.

She’s collaborated with ASB who supply banking activity books and teaches early financial literacy, along with a number of colleges and groups to grow the amount of opportunities children can have to give their businesses exposure.

“When I was a child, something like the kids market would have been right up my alley. That’s why I love seeing young people thrive and excel. They constantly suprise me with their talent, and rise to every challenge we put in front of them,” she explains.

Claire says there is huge value in simply listening to young people, and that has been one of the key motivators in her drive to grow and embrace the market concept.

“They are full of ideas, energy and solutions, with a genuine passion for making their environment better.”