Crop Up: Community Wellbeing Fund recipient

The first in a series of stories about people and projects who have benefited from the Community Wellbeing Fund, which was distributed by South Wairarapa District Council from a one-off pool of funds that came from Te Tari Taiwhenua (the Department of Internal Affairs).

South Wairarapa and Oregon may be oceans apart but two closeknit communities in each place now share something special: vibrant weekly seasonal farmers’ markets born from an idea that crossed continents and took root in Greytown.

Two Greytown locals who live between here and Oregon were inspired by a bustling weekly farmers’ market over there, returning with a vision to create a place for the community to converge in a relaxed seasonal setting – and profit from their produce. They are Adam and Millie Blackwell and their vision grew to become Crop Up, a weekly summer market that first opened in late 2023; gaining support to enable it to develop further from South Wairarapa District Council’s Community Wellbeing Fund (CWBF).

The fund was a one-off resource given to councils by Te Tari Taiwhenua (the Department of Internal Affairs) to help communities across the motu (country) grow their wellbeing in four tangible ways: cultural, economic, environmental and social.

“Crop Up is more than a market. It has become a seasonal gathering place where locals connect, share stories and strengthen community ties. It also provides a welcoming space that showcases environmental wellbeing, with low‑waste practices helping to build long‑term sustainability habits. Crop Up genuinely ticked all four wellbeing boxes of the fund,” says Council Grants and Funding Advisor Lina McManus.

“We all need to spend more time together in the real world for our spiritual and mental health. It’s much more powerful than living socially on a phone screen,” says Adam Blackwell.

When Crop Up started

The first Crop Up market was held in the sheltered courtyard on Greytown’s Main Street, which has now become its permanent home. The space is provided by the Blackwells. It has since grown to include picnic tables, chairs, umbrellas and a welcoming layout, which swiftly found favour with the community, says Crop Up organiser Barb Hyde, who fondly describes Crop Up as Greytown’s ‘summer living room’.

Barb attributes the market’s early days and welcoming atmosphere to the central site provided as well as its practical, low key infrastructure. Its ongoing viability has been made possible due to funding from the Council’s $10,000 CWBF grant. She says the provision of some initial infrastructure by Adam and Millie enabled the concept to get off the ground and the Council’s funding has allowed Crop Up to flourish with funding for marketing, ongoing development and coordination of the market – as well as added infrastructure.

“The large picnic tables make the space work for people to sit and talk, read the Saturday morning newspaper we provide and enjoy breakfast and coffee from our vendors,” says Barb. “We’ve seen every demographic from small children to grandparents visiting Crop Up.

Photo credit: Jet Productions.

Photo credit: Jet Productions.

“Older people who may be isolated come each week and newcomers to town use it as a way to meet others. It’s a joy to watch friendships form.”

Growing food, growing community

The aims of Crop Up’s founders and organisers are to foster:

• Locally grown, seasonal food – reducing food miles and encouraging sustainable eating.
• A platform for small fledgling businesses – giving new producers access to customers and income.
• A place for backyard growers to share surplus produce – making fresh, organic food accessible.
• A weekly social anchor – bringing people together in a relaxed, inclusive environment.

A leap of faith that is paying off

Starting a market from scratch required courage and a leap of faith to strengthen the social fabric of Greytown.

“Crop Up has grown into exactly what we dreamed of: a gathering place for people to take time to connect, eat breakfast together, linger over coffee and enjoy a community atmosphere,” says Adam.

“What began as inspiration from a distant town has grown into a distinct part of the fabric of South Wairarapa with locally grown produce for local people who share a desire for community wellbeing, says Lina, Council Grants and Funding Advisor.

When and where

Crop Up runs every Saturday morning from December to April on Main Street, Greytown. Organisers hope to operate for 20 weeks in 2025/26, extending Crop Up’s season.

Photo credit: Jet Productions.