About Ōtaki Pottery Club
The Ōtaki Pottery Club is an Incorporated Society, governed by a written constitution and bolstered by a dedicated committee, working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation and continual growth of our community. This formal structure underscores our commitment to transparency, governance, and the long-term sustainability of our club and its endeavours in promoting the art and craft of pottery.
Established in 1989, the Ōtaki Pottery Club has flourished from its early roots in the Adult Education programmes at Ōtaki College, dating back to the 1970s. Our club has always cherished and maintained a strong connection with the Ōtaki community. Today, we proudly boast a vibrant membership of nearly 200 pottery enthusiasts.
At the heart of the Ōtaki Pottery Club is a commitment to lifelong learning, a principle that is evident in all we do. Since our inception, we have offered an uninterrupted programme of adult education in ceramics. Our schedule now includes nineteen classes each week, catering to a range of skills and interests. Despite our expansive offerings, demand continues to exceed capacity, with waiting lists for most classes. This demand has been largely met through our expansion into new premises, enabled by the generous support of the Philipp Family Foundation (PFF). Our upgraded facilities now boast two specially designed classrooms and enhanced working spaces for our members, reflecting our commitment to fostering a thriving pottery community.
Our commitment to education extends beyond our own members; we host workshops led by renowned potters from both New Zealand and abroad, enriching our community's understanding and practice of pottery. The Otago Polytechnic Level 5 & 6 New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design, in Ceramics is taught by Jennifer Turnbull at Otaki Pottery Club.
Our involvement with the community is further demonstrated through initiatives like the Clay in Schools Programme, supported by Creative Communities NZ, which brought clay art projects to local schools, reaching up to 450 students annually. Moreover, we offer specialised programmes for home-schooled children, as well as school holiday workshops and after-school classes for youths aged 8-18 years.
The Ōtaki Pottery Club is an inclusive space, welcoming members with disabilities and providing support for independent potters. We strive to ensure access for all, including those experiencing financial hardship or living on fixed incomes, recognising the therapeutic benefits and joy that working with clay can bring to individuals.
Our facilities serve as a comprehensive hub for pottery enthusiasts, supplying everything needed for the craft under one roof. We actively promote pottery through exhibitions held in our club's gallery space, The Tote Modern Gallery—a nod to the building's history. Our annual events, including the family-friendly Public Raku and the Festival of Pots and Garden Art, held at Anam Cara Gardens during the Wellington Anniversary weekend, as well as the Star Glaze festival celebrating Matariki and ceramics, have become highlights of our calendar, drawing community and club members together.
Operated entirely by the dedicated efforts of our volunteer members, the Ōtaki Pottery Club remains a cornerstone of the local arts community, fostering creativity, learning, and a shared passion for ceramics.