Kia ora koutou

As I write there are a number of events occurring across the motu beginning with the first weekend of the Kapiti Arts Trail commencing 1-2 November (followed by the 8-9th November), while the 61st Annual Ceramics Association of New Zealand Award winners were announced at awards night on October 23rd. A warm congratulations to the five recipients of these prestigious ceramic awards. This year there were 279 entries and 61 finalists, making the blind judging by consensus even more difficult, commented this year’s judges.

The Ceramics NZ National Exhibition runs 24 October, 2025 – 16 January, 2026 at Pah Homestead, Auckland where you can view the exhibits and cast your vote for the People’s Choice award up to 18 January.

A friendly reminder to register for Ceramics Association of New Zealand 2025 AGM on 9 November, 5pm. Please join our 2025 AGM where we will report on our 2024 activities and finances. The AGM is also a time when we elect Council members, set membership fees for the following year, and nominate people for lifetime membership. We want to hear from you – so please plan to attend! Register on Teams

Ceramics New Zealand National Open Studios is an annual weekend event that celebrates clay, community and creativity.  Hosted by The Ceramics Association of New Zealand, ceramics studios around Aotearoa open their doors to offer a peek into their making, practical demonstrations and the chance to take home a handmade piece. You can find participating studios here https://openstudios.ceramicsnz.org/

Thinking of learning the art of Ceramics? The New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) – Ceramics blends online learning with satellite campuses throughout New Zealand for in-person instruction in Ōtaki, and other regions. Apply online for a February 2026 start here:

https://www.op.ac.nz/programmes/nzqa/new-zealand-diploma-in-arts-and-design-level-5-ceramics-programme

Wellington

In its 67th year, Ceramicus 2025 presented by Wellington Potters Association [WPA] in partnership with Wellington City Council, opens 5-15th November, 2025 from 9-4pm at Begonia House, Wellington Botanic Gardens, Thorndon. See WPA website for event details https://www.wellingtonpotters.org.nz/upcoming-events/ceramicus-2025.

Ceramicus Pop-Up Pottery market in the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Wellington Botanic Garden (Entry via 101 Glenmore St, Thorndon) runs across two consecutive weekends: Sat 8 – Sun 9 Nov , 10:00am–3:00pm, and Sat 15 – Sun 16 Nov, 10:00am–3:00pm

Kapiti

Kapiti Coast Arts Trail 1st – 2nd November, and 8th-9th November, 2025. Every November, the Kāpiti Coast Art Trail surprises and delights with a wonderland of artist studios, galleries, and shared spaces. Plan your trail here https://www.kapiticoastarttrail.co.nz/plan-your-trail/ and search online for participating artists via this link https://www.kapiticoastarttrail.co.nz/participating-artists/

The Kilns at Te Horo

Japanese born potter Shigemitsu Ohashi (Shige) is the new summer resident at The Kilns at Te Horo.

For much of the 21^st century, apart from seven year back in Japan, Shige has been teaching and working at the Wellington Potters’ Association where he specialised in Anagama kiln work.

Shige’s Anagama work began more than 35 years ago when he trained under a traditional craftsman in Shigaraki, one of Japan’s renowned ceramic towns, part of the “Six Ancient Kilns”. His experience spans more than 50 Anagama firings at various locations, each with different kiln specifications.

“ ‘Inevitability’, ‘Accident’ and ‘Time’. These are my favourite key words. Nature and Life on the Earth were born from these key words,” Shige says.

Since arriving in New Zealand, Shige has become fascinated with the creation of glazes from raw materials. During his residency at The Kilns, Shige intends to extend that further using a range of natural ingredients and chemicals. There will be a lot of experimental tiles, most of which will not be any good, he says.

“I can’t control the behaviour of the glazes in the kilns. That’s my fun – seeing what comes out.”

Shige intends applying the glazes he likes to a range of large bowls. He is also intending to create the planets and has started working on Saturn – the planet known for its colourful rings.

Shige will be working towards his exhibition to be held in April next year at Toi Mahara, Waikanae.

Recent residents at The Kilns, Jasmina Vuckovic (left) and Jenn Leov (right) with current resident Shigemitsu Ohashi (centre).

Two images of Shige’s work: Image(L): Shallow bowl with thick rim (30cm in diameter) – Throwing – Fired with Electric kiln. Image (R): Sphere titled “Moon” (38cm in diameter) – Hand building (Slab) – Fired with Electric kiln.

Whanganui Potters Studio

Sat 29 – Sun 30Nov | 15A Caversham Road, Westmere 4501 | 10-4pm both days.

Join the Whanganui Potters Studio and invited exhibitors for our annual celebration of ceramics and outdoor art. We’ll have lots of clay based activities on offer. If you’ve ever wanted to try throwing on a pottery wheel, or hand building something from clay, you can. Kids are very welcome to take part, and we’ve noticed they love it. If you or they make something you really love, we can fire it for you. If you’re not in a making mood, just watch one of our members putting on a creative demonstration. Try out raku, the fiery and volatile Japanese ceramic tradition. If smoke and flames are not your speed, we’ll have a variety of garden plants and flowers available to buy.

Lovely Cuppa is a strictly limited collection of handmade cups and mugs made by WPS members. They are sold at extremely reasonable prices, and 100% of profits go towards the club. Live music, face painting, sizzling snags, cakes made by professional grandmas, a club raffle with amazing prizes and more. See you there, but please remember to leave your pets at home.