Kia ora e te whaanau
Even though classes have finished for the year there's still lots of activity at the studio. It's great to see you all at Open Studio finishing off your pieces in time for That Day.
We have some exciting news about a workshop coming up next year - more on that below. But before that there's all sorts of other thing to do. Read on!
Rick Rudd workshop
The big and exciting news is that Rick Rudd NZOM has agreed to teach a workshop here next year WOO HOO. And for those that can't make the workshop he'll also be giving an artist's talk on the Saturday night. Dates are currently set for Anzac weekend 25-26 April. Save the date and get set to be inspired.
Working bee
It's the time of year again when we have our big clean-up and get a bit of maintenance done around the studio, so we're all set for a fresh new year. This year, we'll be concentrating on a deep clean of the studio and kiln room.
We'd be ever so grateful if you could spare some time to help us remove all that old clay and dust from nooks ands crannies. Whether you can come for the day, or just an hour or two, we'd be thrilled to receive your help. If you can lend a hand, please sign-up on the sheet in the foyer, or online here .
If you can't come on the 15th but can spare some time another day that would be great too. Please let us know when suits.
Thank you.
Special General Meeting
Tuesday 16 December 5.30pm (just before the Xmas Party at 5.45pm)
AGENDA:
Formally agree to reregister under the 2022 Act
Accept the Draft Constitution as the new Constitution.
To remain an incorporated Society Waikato Society of Potters Inc needs to re-register under the Incorporated Societies Act 2022. The 2022 Act modernizes the laws and the way societies need to operate. Changes have to be made to the WSP constitution in order to comply with the Act. A draft of the new constitution has been prepared and you can read it here
A general meeting must be held for members to formally agree to reregister under the 2022 Act and approve the new constitution. A Special General Meeting will be held for that purpose at WSP on Tuesday 16 December at 5.30pm. It is imperative that this meeting is well attended.
Could you please provide your feedback to waikatopotters.committee@gmail.com by Friday 12 December so that it can be collated ahead of the meeting.
The committee looks forward to your feedback and attendance.
If you can't attend the meeting but would like to have your say you can cast a Proxy Vote. To do that please download the Proxy Voting Form here, fill it out and send to manager@waikatopotters.co.nz by 3pm Tuesday 16 December so that we can collate your votes ahead of the meeting.
WSP Christmas Party
Tuesday 16 December 5.45pm (just after the Special General Meeting at 5.30pm)
We're getting together for our annual Christmas Party, all welcome, feel free to bring the family!
Our traditional Stealy-Secret-Santa game will take place again – for those who want to join in, please bring a small, wrapped gift. Handmade is nice, a piece of pottery is great, but any little treat is fab!
And we'll share a kai, so if you can, please bring some food to share. Juice and soft drinks provided. BYO alcohol welcome, but please drink responsibly and make sure you can get home safely.
Of course, this means there’s no Play with Clay on the 16th, so come celebrate the fantastic year that we’ve had at WSP instead!
2026 Term 1 classes
Our 2026 first term classes are open for enrolment. One class has sold out already and others are filling up. Don't delay or you might miss out on the class of your choice.
Monday morning Intermediate Wheel Throwing: enrol here
Monday evening Hand Building: enrol here
Tuesday morning Beginners Wheel Throwing: enrol here
Wednesday evening Wheel Throwing: enrol here
Thursday morning Sculpture Skills: only three places left, enrol here.
Thursday evening Wheel Throwing for All: sold out
Friday Introduction to Pottery: enrol here
Sunday Wheel Throwing Taster class: enrol here
NZ Diploma in Arts & Design - Ceramics
Take your ceramics to the next level through exploration and experimentation.
NZDAD is delivered by WSP alongside Otago Polytechnic. The program is 2 years full-time study or 4 years part-time study. The theory courses, including glaze technology and art history, are delivered online and the practical part of the course is delivered through the studio at WSP. From 2026 the practical tutorials will be held in-studio every Friday morning during term time with students encouraged to stay on for the afternoon Open Studio session..
Find out more here
Applications and enrolments are now open here
End of year dates
Monday 15th December - Glaze firing deadline
We recommend dropping off your pieces for glaze firing by this date, to make sure you get them back before we close. You will still be welcome to leave work for bisque or glaze firing after this date, and we will do our best to process it, but we can’t guarantee that it will make it through before we close for the holidays.
Monday 15th December, 10am - 4pm - Working Bee
Annual working bee - we'll get sign-up sheets sorted for this soon, but please save the date in the mean time.
Tuesday 16th December, 5.30pm - Special General Meeting (see above)
Tuesday 16th December, 5.45pm - Christmas Party
No Play with Clay, come along to the Xmas party, share a kai and take part in the Secret Santa thievery instead.
Friday 19th December, 4pm - Studio Closes
This is your last chance to get into the studio for 2025, and last day for pick-ups. The studio will close at 4pm, and will reopen again on Monday the 12th of January.
Studio schedule
Here’s how things are looking for the coming week, but as always, check the online calendar before you come in 😊
Saturday 13 December
10am – 1pm: Play With Clay - thanks Teresa and Caitlin !
1 - 4pm: Members' Open Studio - thanks David C!
Sunday 14 December
CLOSED
Monday 15 December
10am – 4pm: Working bee
Tuesday 16 December
9.30am – 4pm: Members' Open Studio
5.30 - 5.45 Special General Meeting
5.45 - 8.45 pm: WSP Xmas Party
Wednesday 17 December
9.30am – 12.30pm: Play with Clay - thanks Yasmin and Kristen!
1pm – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
Thursday 18 December
9.30am – 4pm: Members' Open Studio
Friday 19 December
9.30am – 4pm: Members’ Open Studio
Saturday 20 December
CLOSED for summer break.
Monday 12 January 2026
9.30am – 4pm: Members' Open Studio
That's it for this week folks. Have a great week and we'll see you in the studio soon.
