Otara is one of the most well-known suburbs in New Zealand. Unfortunately, it’s not famous for its community spirit, well-attended churches or creative talent – all of which it has in abundance – but for its negative characteristics such as poverty, crime and ill-kept state housing. At the heart of the suburb is the Manukau Institute of Technology and, across the carpark, the Otara Town Centre. Early every Saturday morning that car park transforms into one of Auckland’s liveliest markets, with second-hand curiosities, exotic food from Asia and the Pacific, bargain electronics, and the best and cheapest in fresh produce. A word of warning though. While you’re soaking up the ambience, hold on to your valuables. The largely industrial nearby area of East Tamaki has received a long-overdue makeover with the opening of the water-side reserve and Highbrook Business Park.