Matakana is a place to escape to. It sits about an hour North of Auckland. It’s a place where people retreat from the hustle and bustle of Auckland. A place where people retreat into themselves.
The local market is a dog free space. At the entrance of the markets you are greeted by local children, who “babysit” your dog for a gold coin donation that goes to a local charity.
The markets are well known for their produce. Fresh eggs, vegetables, wine from nearby vineyards and good coffee. Fine food for the weary soul.
A cheerful chatter rises from the small but well organised stalls. As the Saturday morning sun warms the parents and children who collect together to watch the ducks feed on the passing river at the rear of the markets. An aroma of cooking bacon and eggs fill you with a feeling of being reconnected to life. A glad to be alive feeling.
Hidden by the melodic tunes of the local musicians performing from their market nook, somewhere tucked away in the corner of the market with a whir and a grind of machinery was the knife sharpener.
Greeting the passers bye with a wry smile, he is happy to show off his collection of Japanese knives. Like the knives, everything in the market was beautifully hand made and inexpensive.
The knife man and the markets seem to have a greater purpose that seem to have escaped our times.