Christchurch food vendors and creative small businesses will take over the Multicultural Centre on Hagley Avenue on Thursday afternoon for the Taste of the Pacific Night Market.

The free event runs from 4pm to 7pm and is being presented by Moana Vā in collaboration with the Electoral Commission. Organisers say it will bring together Pacific kai, arts, crafts and local operators in a setting designed for families, friends and after-work visitors.

The food line-up includes Manava Creations NZ, Situe Chop Suey, Fijian Lovo, Kuki Kai, Otai & BBQ and a range of baking and dessert stalls. Alongside the food, the market will host Pacific art, handmade products, jewellery, accessories, independent zines and other creative work.

That gives the evening a practical business angle as well as a cultural one: it is a chance for small operators to meet customers face to face and for visitors to discover makers and food businesses they may not encounter in the central-city retail mix.

Organisers say arts, crafts and non-food stalls will move indoors if it rains, while food stalls and food trucks will continue outside. The Multicultural Centre is at 455 Hagley Avenue.