The crowd were engaged with the music and their free poi's thanks to XMT Creations, gifting members of the public small Christmas presents. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
The sweet aroma of fresh cuisine fills the air, blending with the sounds of live karaoke performances in the Manukau car parks.
A vibrant new market is transforming South Auckland, offering local Māori and Pacific entrepreneurs a fee-free platform to showcase their products, with space, gear, and power provided.
"We're trying to create a space for our people where we can all come together and collaborate," said Waikare Komene, founder of The Roots.
"This is a space for us to connect, collaborate, and work together. If we're all in silos and isolated, we're disconnected."
Held on Sunday afternoon, ManniX Market features a variety of contributors - from passionate creators to experienced business owners - creating a warm atmosphere after church.
Eke Panuku has partnered up with RepFM and The Roots Collective to bring ManniX Markets, a space that supports local talent and Māori and Pacific businesses. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
Komene, known as an "architect by profession, tutu by nature," collaborates with RepFM founder Toko Manuel.
The pair have worked closely with Eke Panuku for years, promoting events that unite South Auckland's communities.
"It's just about Southside pride," Komene said. "Bringing all Southsiders together - it doesn't matter if you're from Ōtara, Rewa, Kura, or Māngere."
Eke Panuku Development supports the creative collectives behind ManniX Markets, fostering long-term community growth, sustainability, and business opportunities.
Vendors are supported as there is no fee charged to set up and sell food or merchandise. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
RepFM also runs Passion to Profession (P2P), a 10-week course that empowers aspiring entrepreneurs. Graduates trial their products or services in the markets, gaining real-world feedback.
"It's all about finding that passion in these guys' entrepreneurship and what they really love to do," Manuel said.
At the end of the year, we utilise this market for them to trial everything they've worked on."
Loko from Loko Arts is creating his canvas art, his product that he sells as an entrepreneur. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
Komene's goal extends beyond community unity to include sustainability.
"We want to be the first market to be fully sustainable in terms of sorting and collecting rubbish, getting kai down to the local compost, and supporting community gardens," he explained.
"The music, the entertainment, and the sustainability aspect - that's what makes us unique.
"If you have kai and music, that's the winning combo. So, if you're going to sit down, have some mean kai, and listen to Southside music, what a beautiful day that is."
While the market supports Māori and Pacific businesses, it includes all locals.
The timing is designed to avoid clashing with other established markets in Māngere and Ōtara, offering a space where untapped talent can thrive, like a six-year-old graffiti artist who sold 18 canvases and turned his passion into a business.
"That's what we're about, giving people a platform to shine," Manuel said.
One of the stalls at Mannix Markets, giving free Christmas presents to the community (free pois) as well as promoting their arts and crafts/merchandise. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
Ana Pihuru arrived at the markets with her family and was gifted a beautiful poi from a local wahine.
"We just got here, and we were gifted this beautiful poi. We look forward to browsing and buying some stuff."
Zhaiyne Gray and Racheal Swanell, from family-owned Grayze Food Vendor, appreciate the supportive environment for Pacific and Māori entrepreneurs.
"I'm all about supporting our communities and bringing them up," Gray said.
"We got approached to come here and set up alongside every other vendor," Gray said. "The organisers made it real easy. Everything's organised, so it was really easy to come in."
Gray appreciates the relaxed atmosphere, adding that the karaoke competition makes it fun and different from the usual market scene.
Hook Banger and Teuila Panoi of Done Right Kitchen are also proud to be part of the markets. "We like to get involved wherever we can with our community events," Banger says. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
Hook Banger and Teuila Panoi of Done Right Kitchen are proud to be in the market.
"We like to get involved wherever we can with community events. It's all about supporting locals to go global," Banger said.
Connor Maxwell, owner of Skonky'z Soul Food, was encouraged by his family to join.
"It's all about supporting the cuzzies," he said, enjoying the comfortable, familiar market environment.
Rose Glassie, who runs Hood's Haven Heart and Soul, appreciates the market's support for small businesses.
"They're all about supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs like myself."
Michael Rangikataua and Marire Kuka of Cornerstone Arts praised the positive atmosphere.
"It brings a different vibe, and you definitely know you're in South Auckland," said Rangikataua, while Kuka added, "There's a whānau vibe here."
XMT Creations, operated by a local family, values ManniX Markets for its supportive community.
"We've always been looked after, so we've always been there," said the founder. He is passionate about the growth of Māori and Pasifika businesses.
"Māori and PI businesses have just grown so much in the last few years, and it's important to keep it going."
Loko Arts creating canvas art for sale. Photo: LDR / Mary Afemata
ManniX Markets operates from 12pm to 4pm, blending entrepreneurship with a family-friendly environment.
Last Sunday's market was the first of two events held this month, and the highlight was a karaoke competition.
The public is invited to compete for a $1000 cash prize, with awards of $500 for first place, $300 for second, and $200 for third.
The next market is on Sunday 15 December at Manukau car park, corner of Amersham Way and Davies Avenue.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.