There is an exciting revival under way in Edgecumbe, and Riverslea Mall is right at the heart of it. This spring and summer, the mall will host four themed markets designed to boost foot traffic, showcase homegrown talent, and bring people together in a fresh and welcoming environment.

“These markets are about more than shopping,” organiser Chris Ford said.

“They’re about growing Edgecumbe, building community spirit, and making Riverslea Mall the living heart of our town again.”

The first event, the Spring Fling market, will take place next Saturday, September 20, from 10am to 2pm. Everyone is invited to come along for a day of fun, food, and community vibes – to enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with live music, children’s activities, stalls and food trucks.

“We’ve got about 34 stalls. There’s going to be a kid’s zone as well. I would tell you what’s going to be in it, but I think it will be a cool surprise,” Ms Ford said.

“We’ve also got a lot of stallholders that are new and different – they’re not just the usual market sellers.

“I’m excited to share that. I can’t wait for the pre-loved zone. A lot of people have said they’re bringing their kids along, selling off their toys, and sharing things they’d love to see reused again. It’s quite exciting – the whole interior mall will be full.”

Live music will be provided by local DJ The Sound King.

Following the Spring Fling market, a full line-up of themed markets will keep the community buzzing in the months ahead. With an Active and Healthy Living market on October 11, a Catch and Carve seafood and meats market on November 8, and a Kiwiana Christmas night market on December 7, there will be something for everyone.

Community collaboration is key. The Kiwiana Christmas event is shaping up to be one of Edgecumbe’s biggest Christmas events yet. The mall and the adjacent park will transform into a festive hub, with a vibrant Christmas Parade through town, food trucks, live music, market stalls and a kid’s zone with interactive fun.

December’s events will include support from Edgecumbe Blue Light.

“This is another fantastic opportunity to celebrate Edgecumbe with Blue Light and ensure tamariki (children) and rangatahi (youth) are at the centre of it all,” said Kris Byrne, Edgecumbe Blue Light deputy chair.

“Bringing Riverslea Mall back to life is about more than retail,” said Christina Eichler, operations manager at Cusack Partners. “It’s about providing a hub where families, businesses, and community groups can come together. We’re proud to be part of this revival and welcome new businesses to join us.”

The mall has had recent developments, with a new barbershop, a florist, and a skincare shop opening, and the popular Manna café expanding. Management is tidying up the building, repainting, and revitalising the space to attract more visitors.

“The mall is a great, cost-effective space to be in,” Ms Ford said.

“Being undercover is incredible, something other shops in this area don’t have.

“Having the playground here is awesome too – you can go play with your kids, grab your things from the mall, and shoot off. I feel it’s a missed opportunity if you don’t come to see what is on offer. These events are all about driving more people in, growing Edgecumbe, and bringing people together.”

The Kiwiana Christmas organisers are also looking for sponsors to help support the Santa Mail initiative – a highlight from last year where over 100 local children wrote letters to Santa and received a reply in the mail. They are also organising a drop-off zone for pre-loved toys to be shared at the Christmas night market for those in need.

For more info, to sponsor, or to enter a stall into the upcoming markets, you can go to ChrisFord Events on Facebook, or email [email protected].