Auckland Night Markets Shock: Founders Exit Following Viral Controversies

It’s the end of an era for Tāmaki Makaurau’s late-night food scene. Victoria Yao and Paul De Jonge, the long-time operators who grew the Auckland Night Markets from a single Pakūranga garage block in 2010 into a seven-night-a-week powerhouse, have officially announced their departure after 16 years.

While their social media announcement frames the exit as passing the torch to new management with “the resources to deliver high-quality experiences,” local stallholders know the backdrop is much messier. The markets have been plagued by a shadow of controversy since last year, when a viral TikTok by an aggressive treatment victim sparked a flood of complaints regarding unsafe working conditions and unjustified fee spikes.

The new team takes over immediately. While the transition happens, the touring markets will continue to run across their usual spots in Auckland and Hamilton, but the cultural footprint of the original founders is officially gone.