October 2025 Newsletter
Club Notes and Updates
Are you getting excited for Ceramicus?
Ceramicus Exhibition & Pop-up Market Updates
Volunteers (still) needed!
We are seeking volunteers for:
• Advertising and promotion - someone to identify opportunities to promote Ceramicus
• Receiving & selection day, Sunday 2 November
- Morning receiving shift, 9.30am-12.30pm
- Afternoon receiving shift, 12.30-3.30pm
- Post-selection pack-up (experience & care when handling pots required) 7-8.30pm
(NOTE: The roster for gallery minding will be available when applications open.)
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Pop-up Market registrations open Fri 3 Oct
Registrations for the pop-up market open tomorrow (Friday, 3 October)! Sign up in HelloClub for each individual day. Note, you need to sign up for each day you’d like a stall - this could be 1, 2, 3 or 4 days.
Details are:
• Dates: Sat 8, Sun 9, Sat 15 and Sun 16 November
• Location: Lady Norwood Rose Garden, Wellington Botanic Gardens
• Cost: $40 per day
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Donations for WPA raffle & sale table still open
We are seeking donations to be raffled at the pop up market or sold at the WPA sale table. This is a perfect opportunity to move on any pots you’ve had hanging around for a while and help raise funds for the club.
If you have donations please email Kate via wellingtonpotters.events@gmail.com to arrange drop-off.
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Information for members
A reminder that all the details on dates, awards, entries, fees and selection please see the Ceramicus 2025 information sheet and Hello Club FAQ.
Send apologies for the AGM to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com
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Wheel Workshop with Aaron Scythe, 31 Oct - 1 Nov
2-day workshop for intermediate and advancing throwers
We are pleased to be running a 2-day workshop with Aaron Scythe, our guest artist and selector for Ceramicus.
Aaron is known for his unconventional and freestyle approach. In this class, students will make a variety of things on the wheel (vases, sake bottles, tea bowls, cups), using a variety of techniques (coil throwing, throwing works in sections and joining and throwing on the hump).
Note: this workshop is for intermediate and advancing throwers. To participate, you must be able to confidently throw bowls & cylinders.
To learn more about Aaron Scythe and to check out his work, visit his website here.
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WOAP Makers and Shakers 2025
Vessels from left to right (above):
Paige Jarman - Vessel: “Blue Collar”; Cocktail: Italian hot chocolate, coconut milk, CGR salted caramel rum, aged rum
Bryony Puketapu - Vessel: “Pīoi Tau | Tipsy”; Cocktail: Gin, Aperol, Lillet Blanc, Peach liqueur
Sarah Drake - Vessel: “Holdfast”; Cocktail: Wakame & lime gin, lemon juice, sugar, egg white, soda
On the last weekend of Wellington on a Plate, the second Makers and Shakers event was held, showcasing a collaboration between WPA potters and bartenders from Cuckoo Emporium. The event was a great success, with WOAP tickets selling out quickly.
Expertly organised by WPA’s own James Dickman (an inaugural Maker and Shaker), the event invites 3 WPA potters (the Makers) to each design a bespoke vessel, which is then used as inspiration by the bartenders (the Shakers) to create a unique cocktail for each vessel.
On the day, event attendees were served the 3 cocktails in the bespoke vessels, with the Makers and the Shakers each speaking to their inspirations and processes. Delicious canapes from neighbour One Red Dog were also served to ensure things didn’t get too tiddly!
Each potter needed to make at least 45 cups for the event, as each attendee got to take home the 3 vessels they were served the cocktails in.
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The Cubby Rental Period is Changing
With membership renewals now (mostly) automated through HelloClub, we can align the cubby billing cycle to a similar period.
We’re changing the cubby rental period to align with the membership year!
Currently, the cubby rental period runs from 1 June to 31 May. We’re changing this to align with the membership year and it will now run from 1 September to 31 August.
FAQ
Q: Why are we making this change?
A: Currently if a member wishes to cancel their membership and cubby they forgo 6 months of cubby rental. This change aligns with the membership renewal, anyone not wanting to continue their membership can clear out by 31 August, prior to the membership roll over.
Q: What does this mean for people with a cubby?
A: In May 2026 at cubby renewal time, you will be invoiced for an additional 3 months to align with the new cycle
• For an XS cubby, this will be a one-off additional $7.50
• For a medium cubby, this will be a one-off additional $15
• For a large cubby, this will be a one-off additional $20
• For a glaze room cubby, this will be a one-off additional $25
Following this, cubby renewal will take place in August.
Q: I want a cubby, how do I get one?!
A: We have a waitlist, which you can join [add link]. The cubby coordinator will be in touch when you reach the top of the waitlist.
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Recycled glazes for sale!
Some of the recycled glazes available for purchase.
Our recycled glazes are for sale! We are making more recycled glazes than we have room for, so now we are offering them for sale to make space. $90-$120 for a bucket depending on if it is 10 litres or 15 litres. There are test tiles for all of these glazes on the glaze board (on multiple clay bodies). If you are interested, please talk to Bella in person or email Admin (wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com).
Glazes on offer are:
- Vera's Blue Black (not food safe)
- Glacier
- Spanish Olives
- Obsidian (not food safe)
- Galaxy
- Denim
- Misty Morning
- After Dark
- Tea Dust
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A Few Words About Clay – and Prices!
It’s not getting any cheaper, as you’ll likely be painfully aware. With the closure of Macs Mud (Waikato) [most of WPA’s stocks are now sold] the only generally commercially available range of New Zealand sourced clay is from Nelson Potters Clay.
For members who were fans of the Macs Studio white, you are encouraged to try the Nelson Mid-Fire White (MFW). To enable you to give it a test, 2kg sample packs will be for sale throughout October. NOTE: there are test tiles to view in the glaze room.
See the HelloClub Shop for WPA’s full clay range and prices.
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New Zealand Porcelain
There is one other NZ-produced clay! Through the good services of Wentworth Trading (owned and operated by WPA member Tim Hawley) we can offer, on indent, a 100% New Zealand porcelain from Temuka, South Island. This has been sold at WPA in the past. Unlike most porcelains, this one fires an off-white to light buff colour because it has been fluxed with 10% iron oxide. This allows it to be fired to Cone 6 with full vitrification. This is an absolute bonus for makers of domestic ware who can use the vast range of Cone 6 glazes now available, save significant money on not having to run Cone 10 firings plus get the finesse and delicacy that porcelain can offer. And the customer can be assured there will be no seepage or nasty ‘wet rings’ on their vintage mahogany sideboard!
Sure, making anything with any type of porcelain requires some expertise, but users rate it both satisfying and rewarding.
20kg bags: retail price $139. Prefer just 10kg? We will cut and repack ‘on demand’ $74. N.B. minimum order required for this shipment to proceed.
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Witgert clay from Germany
First imported by Rhonda Tracy for WPA about 8 years ago (Rhonda has since returned to the US) Tim Hawley took up the importing reins and, with WPA’s Clay Wrangler Peter Rumble, four more shipments have given WPA members a wide choice (currently 6 in stock and 5 sold out) of highly rated clays. Not only are they top quality but they are also competitively priced…especially at the moment as they have not been hit by recent price rises. You are encouraged to ‘get to know’ Witgert as they offer several different clays compared with other ranges on the market.
Tim and Peter are considering another shipment, therefore expressions of interest are sought. We will run a full list of possible clays along with the EOI register in the MMCU. Keep your eyes peeled!
Welcome new members!
Anastasia H. | Ellis R. | Gemma S. | Helen F. | Jeanne-Marie C. | Katie C. | Mrittika G. | William R.
Anastasia H. | Ellis R. | Gemma S. | Helen F. | Jeanne-Marie C. | Katie C. | Mrittika G. | William R.
DID YOU KNOW…?
What happened at the AGM
Ngā mihi nui to the 30+ members who joined us for the AGM, pot luck, and pot swap — it was a great evening of community, conversation, and ceramics.
If you couldn’t make it, here’s a quick summary of the key highlights:
We were honoured to present a Life Membership to our long-time WPA friend and Anagama master, Shige Ohashi — a well-deserved recognition of his outstanding contribution to our community.
Congratulations to the returning committee members:
Martin Henty – President
Julie Harrington – Vice President
Rosie Fresen – Treasurer
Chrissy Blair – Secretary
General Committee: Peter Rumble, Gordon Sinclair, and Ingrid Peek
And a warm welcome back to Kate Macdonald, who has rejoined the committee!We're currently looking for one more general committee member. If you're curious or keen, please get in touch at: wellingtonpotters.secretary@gmail.com
The full AGM minutes will be shared later this week.
Member’s Gallery: Anagama Wrap Up
Anagama a roaring success
Our anagama season this year was enhanced by the addition of a fluffy and very hungry lamb, requiring feeding by some very lucky potters! She must have been a good luck charm as the kiln performed well and gave us some wonderful overall results.
In general, there were more, but smaller sized, vessels fired. 388 items were submitted (48 more than 2024) totalling 272 kilograms (4 kilograms less than 2024). Our single largest piece was 6.8 kilograms, beating last year’s best of 6.1 kilograms.
The incredible Mel Waite documented the event again this year and has shared her photos with us. Admin will share the link and instructions via private channels when we have both the Anagama and finished work galleries, look for the link in the MMCU mid-October and on the Facebook member’s page. Ngā mihi nui, Mel!!
Is there something you’ve made that you are particularly proud of? If so, please email your photos (and descriptions, if you’d like) to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
PSAs from the Club Admin
Membership renewals
If you haven’t yet seen a HelloClub email letting you know what to do to retain your membership, please check your spam folders or let me know. We currently have around 120 of you that are letting your membership lapse and another 140 people that have not yet paid their membership fees (now overdue). Our waiting list sits at around the 130-person mark so we have people ready and waiting to take your precious place. Don’t delay, renew today!
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Still looking for a missing pot
A ceramic piece has gone missing from the glaze room. It is a multicolored cylinder with the maker’s mark “HM” on the bottom. If you have any information about its whereabouts — whether it was accidentally taken home, moved, or broken — please email Admin. The owner is very eager to recover it. Thank you for your help!
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Throwdown is postponed
The 2025 Throwdown has been postponed to early 2026—but it’ll be worth the wait! With more energy to focus on the event during a quieter time of year, we’re planning a bigger, better event with new competitions and ways to get involved. Stay tuned for details in the new year.
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Clay reclaim area clean up
Bella will be going through the clay reclaim bucket area on October 6th and emptying any unlabelled buckets, or buckets dated older than September. If you want to keep your reclaim bucket, please make sure it is labelled and up to date.
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Have you ordered clay recently?
Please collect your clay within 14 days of placing your order. After that, uncollected clay may be returned to stock and special arrangements will be needed for pickup. The table is very full — thank you for helping us keep the space clear!
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Ngā mihi.
Suggestion Box Updates
Thanks for your suggestions in the suggestion box! Believe it or not, the suggestion box is NOT a black void of notes from you all. Suggestions get read, discussed, and logged at the Committee Meetings. Below are the suggestions and outcomes from last month’s meeting (click the “+” to expand).
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Great idea. Admin will look into it!
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We will pass this on to the next education portfolio holder!
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Unfortunately, no. With a lack of direct ownership and general opening/closing the container, its longevity would be severely compromised and would be a waste of resources. Post on the Facebook member’s page and see if you can get a few people interested in sharing a container! There are also cheaper options, see here.
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There is a beautiful new pink on the way! If you’re desperate for Raspberry please see Bella for the recipe.
Beans for October
This recipe comes from our Studio Technician, who makes it with dried black beans since they’re easy to buy in bulk. Follow the link for the original recipe and tips on soaking your own beans. It’s a simple, budget-friendly dish to enjoy! Images and recipe from rainbowplantlife.com
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INGREDIENTS
• 2 (15-ounce/425g) cans black beans, undrained
• 1 ½ tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small red or yellow onion, diced
• 4 garlic cloves, chopped
• 1 jalapeño or serrano pepper, diced
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 ½ teaspoons dried (Mexican) oregano
• ½ teaspoon chipotle chile flakes or red pepper flakes
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 pound (454g) fresh tomatoes or 1 (14-ounce/400g) can of diced tomatoes
• A glug of extra virgin olive oil
• A squeeze or two of lime juice
• 1 cup (16g) fresh cilantro leaves and stems, choppedDIRECTIONS
Don’t drain the beans!
Prep the fresh tomatoes, if using. Wash, and then add to a food processor and pulse until pureed. Or grate the tomatoes using the wide holes of a box grater.
Make the sofrito. Heat a large sauté pan over medium heat with 1 ½ tablespoons of oil. Once hot, add the onion with a pinch of salt and cook until the onion has softened and is golden but not browned, 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the garlic, jalapeño, cumin, oregano, and chipotle flakes (if using) and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
Add the diced tomatoes. Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a rapid simmer and cook until the tomatoes break down and most of the liquid has evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes. Season with the kosher salt and several cracks of black pepper.
Pour the black beans with their liquid into the sofrito. Bring to a simmer and simmer for 15 minutes until thickened and saucy. If it gets too thick, add a splash of vegetable broth if you have it, or water.
Stir in a glug of extra virgin olive oil, a squeeze of lime juice, and cilantro. Taste, and add salt/pepper or more lime juice to taste.
Enjoy!
Upcoming WPA Classes & Events
Bring Your Child/ren
Friday 3 October | 9:30PM - 12:30AM
The club rooms will be open for 3 hours during the school holidays for you to bring your child/ren along to play with clay. No tutors are provided by WPA though so you are to be responsible for your child's behaviour and safety while in the rooms.
You must provide all materials and fully supervise their activities, cleaning up thoroughly at the end of the session. Finished art may be fired at WPA - for this event only.
Please SIGN UP for this one-off event. Max of 10 WPA members, all ages of children welcome.
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Clay Club
Tuesday 7 October | 10:00AM - 1:00PM
Join the Clay Club and dive into the world of clay recycling!
Discover how clay can be reused again and again — you’ll get hands-on experience with the recycling process, learn about grog and its benefits, explore different clay types, and even operate a pug mill to make your own recycled clay (available for members to purchase). No experience needed, and your time can count toward volunteer hours!
Clay Club meets once a month on a Tuesday (for three hours). Thanks to our upgraded recycling system, gloves and masks aren’t required anymore. Just wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit muddy.
Join as it suits you — register for individual sessions through HelloClub with no ongoing commitment. Plus, after attending four sessions, you’ll earn a 10kg bag of our freshly recycled clay!
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Friends and Family Night
Friday 17 October | 5 - 9PM
October’s Friends & Family Night is technically full—but every month, a few people don’t show, and there’s usually a waitlist.
If your plans change, please cancel your spot so someone else can join.
To join the waitlist, mark yourself as “Interested” in Hello Club. There are no automatic updates, but I’ll check for cancellations and email those on the list. It’s also worth checking Hello Club directly—spots often free up in the final day or two!
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Throwing BIG
Three day course:
Saturday 25 October | 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Sunday 26 October | 10:00AM - 3:00PM
Monday 27 October | 12:30PM - 3:30PM
Learn to throw big!
This workshop is designed for potters who want to explore making larger forms on the wheel. Students will learn how to throw in sections, starting with two smaller pieces of clay stacked one on top of the other, and then build upward from the base.
We’ll cover a range of techniques for throwing manageable sections and joining them securely, allowing students to create larger vessels by combining multiple parts.
The workshop is open to all levels of throwing experience. However, participants must be able to centre clay and work at the wheel independently, as this is not a beginner class.
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Wheel Workshop with Aaron Scythe
2-Day Workshop:
Friday 31 October| 9:30AM - 3:00PM
Saturday 1 November | 9:30AM - 3:00PM
WPA is delighted to host a two-day wheel workshop with Aaron Scythe, selector and guest artist for Ceramicus 2025.
Aaron will demonstrate and guide students through techniques such as coil throwing, working in sections, and throwing on the hump. Participants will make forms like vases, sake bottles, and tea bowls, while building skills and insight into Aaron’s innovative approach to wheel work. By the end, you’ll leave with a collection of thrown pieces and new techniques to expand your practice.
To learn more about Aaron Scythe and to check out his work, visit his website here.
NOTE: This workshop is aimed at potters confident in throwing bowls and cylinders, it is not suitable for beginners.
Community News & Events
Ema Frost: Kintsugi Workshops
Re-use, Re-Purpose, Beautify with Gold!!
After several SOLD OUT workshops in Wellington here is the next one... Oct 2025
Learn the magical art of Kintsugi with Artist Ema Frost in this new Workshop on Sat & Sun 11th & 12th Oct. You can bring along a piece of your own pottery to restore in this beautiful style. Limited spots available so make sure to book in early.
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EOI for Tākina Christmas Market
Foxtail Events is planning a new indoor Christmas Market at the Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre and is seeking stallholders.
Details:
• Craft, art, and food stalls (no food trucks)
• Across from Te Papa – prime location
• Live music, festive atmosphere, and city-wide marketing
Potential weekends: 2–3 November 2025, 22–23 November 2025, or 13–14 December 2025
Stall cost: $130–$150 (2m x 2m, full weekend)
This is an expression of interest only. Apply here.
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Links to other clubs’ current newsletters
Have some content for the newsletter? Email it to wellingtonpotters.info@gmail.com.
The deadline for the next newsletter is 22 October.
