ABOUT
Strategic Plan
Our Vision
A vibrant inclusive community for clay
Mission
To create opportunities for everyone to experience clay and be involved with a wider network of clay creators
- Commitment - to wider community
- Creativity - support the process of exploration with clay
- Inclusivity - of everyone
- Respect - everyone
- Sharing - a commitment to giving
- Visionary - to move forward courageously
Waikato’s Pottery Community Hub
Waikato Society of Potters is the Waikato’s pottery community hub. We welcome people from all walks of life, from all over the world. Nau mai, haere mai.
We facilitate learning pottery through a range of techniques and classes to suit all abilities. Visit our classes page to learn more. The societies activities range from, supporting the Waikato Pottery community through classes, pottery advice, kilns for firing, trips to visit potter’s studios, Raku and Wood firings, workshops, exhibitions, open days and more.
We can cater for people with all learning abilities and aim to make our studios as accessible as possible. We have a table top wheel, for those finding 'riding' the potters wheels difficult.
Waikato Society of Potters is a member-based society; to learn more about the benefits of being a member visit the Membership page.
Be sure to visit and like our Facebook page for postings of interest: Waikato Society of Potters
ART IS NOT WHAT YOU SEE, BUT WHAT YOU MAKE OTHERS SEE
- Edgar Degas -
MEET YOUR COMMITTEE
The Society's strategic direction and momentum is guided by a committee of passionate potters. They are volunteers, who give their time to keep us on track and ensure our members have a vibrant, inclusive community, and facilities that allow you to learn and grow your interest in all things clay.
Meet our 2024-2025 Committee members below.
Tess May
President
Tess has a rich history working with clay and started potting when she was 17 years old. Following 2 years of study at Queensland Art College, Tess started work as a production thrower at commercial potteries around Victoria and Queensland, including Australian ceramics giant, Robert Gordon. These days, Tess is working full-time at a correspondence Kura teaching English and Art, but still potting as much as possible.
Tess’ favourite thing about WSP is being a part of an organization that creates opportunities for people to develop their knowledge and skills, and to branch out and try new things. It’s a place where we can support people to explore and expand their passion for ceramics.
Sarah Lee
Treasurer
Sarah was introduced to clay as an art student, but at that stage was focused on making jewellery.
Sarah signed up for a beginner class at WSP to train herself to take time for herself again, expecting it would lead her back to jewellery.
The year after joining WSP, Sarah was “sweet-talked” into becoming a Committee Member and our Treasurer, a position she’s held since 2018.
Sarah lives in Te Aroha and works at the library there. She’s been teaching pottery at a local school for the last 18 months which she says has been great fun.
Suzy Dunser
Secretary
Suzy’s very first experience potting was at a summer camp, Buck's Rock Performing and Creative Arts Camp, in Connecticut, USA.
She came to NZ in 1995 and joined first the Titirangi Potters and then the Auckland Studio Potters, which set her on her path. In New Zealand it was as much the people as the pots that drew her in. She says “potters are the best people”.
Suzy joined WSP in 2021 when she knew she was moving to Paeroa from Auckland. She put her hand up for secretary duties at the AGM last year and has served the club well since then.
Outside of pottery Suzy teaches maths at Paeroa College.
Bronwyn Wright
Bronwyn started potting about 10 years ago when she came to an Open Day at WSP. She signed up for one of Diane Parker’s workshops in basic hand building and was hooked. Although, after working long days as a theatre nurse there’s seldom much left of the day to do pottery.
Since that first Open Day she’s been a regular helper at WSP events and came onto the committee a few years ago.
Bronwyn is also the Wood Firings Coordinator. She organizes and helps with collecting, cutting to size and stacking the wood, makes sure all the equipment and materials are ready, ensuring everything runs smoothly. No small task!
Bronwyn’s favourite thing about WSP is the community, the people she gets to meet, and the encouragement and support she’s received.
Caroline Hamilton
Caroline joined the society in 2021, quickly finding a passion for wheel throwing, then venturing into hand-building as well.
Caroline likes to make "big things" and is into a bit of everything, including being a keen wood firer. She is currently training to be one of WSP's Phoenix Firemasters, so she can lead these flame-fests for the club.
Outside of the studio, Caroline is a Veterinarian, hockey player and tie-dyer!
Josef Thompson-Smith
Joe's start in clay came after reading a book that talked about the advantages of trying something new each month. After deciding clay would be the first new thing he would try on that adventure, he took a wheel throwing class, and not long after that volunteered as a member of our Committee.
The vibrance of the place and the people are what Joe enjoys most about WSP. Though fresh to WSP he’s loving it so far. “It always feels like it has a great atmosphere and everyone is super friendly!”
Outside of pottery Joe does “anything and everything”. Although he is game for trying most things, his main hobbies are Kyokushin, snowboarding, reading and getting out on the nature trails. However he recently also added Scottish folk dancing with his partner Thailine to this list. Iongantach!
Lydia Farrell
On holiday in Nelson with her sister, Lydia visited a studio where everyone was making animal sculptures. She wanted to make some ceramic cats and found WSP online when she got home.
Lydia started at Play With Clay on Saturday mornings two years ago and has been a regular attendee and volunteer ever since. She also enrolled in several classes including Intro to Pottery hand-building, and wheel throwing.
Lydia’s favourite things about WSP are the facilities and the people, especially the volunteers, staff, and resident artists. “We are very fortunate to have this space with this affordability”.
Outside of pottery Lydia works in science and likes to move (either at the gym or out walking) and spend time with her husband. A typical evening will find her curled up with a book and their two cats.
Mark Tamura
Mark started potting in 2022. He joined a wheel-throwing class here at WSP and once he started, he couldn't stop!
In 2024 Mark completed two Artist in Residence terms, and then set up his home studio with a wheel, kiln and all the trappings.
After finishing his residency, Mark was keen to stay involved with WSP, and has joined the Committee and still volunteers in the studio weekly.
Outside of the studio, Mark is a stay-at-home dad with two busy daughters and a consultant working mainly in local government, planning and environmental management.
Committee contact: waikatopotters.committee@gmail.com
The Waikato Society of Potters Committee responsibilities, code of conduct and roles
The Committee of the Waikato Society of Potters provides governance for the society by establishing a strategic plan taking into account the large number of diverse and creative personalities who come together in this space to create, socialise and enjoy the facilities.
To maintain a positive committee environment, the members of the committee and the manager of the Society have developed the following expectations:
Responsibilities:
Each Committee Member is expected to play an active part in the Committee that functions effectively as a whole.
A Committee Member is to:
Be informed of and understand the constituting documents and legislation under which the society exists, its vision, mission, values, codes of conduct, and policies as they pertain to the duties of a Committee Member;
Keep generally informed and up to date on the activities of the society;
Attend Committee meetings regularly and contribute from professional and life experience to the work of the Committee;
Exercise, in the performance of their duties, the degree of care, diligence and skill required of a Committee Member in accordance with the Incorporated Societies Act and the society’s Constitution;
Not be influenced by self-interest, outside pressure, expectation of reward or fear of criticism;
Act with honesty and integrity and conduct him/herself in a manner that upholds public confidence in the conduct of the Committee’s business;
Voice, clearly and explicitly at the time a decision is being taken, any opposition to a decision being considered by the Committee;
Know and respect the distinction in the roles of Committee Members and staff consistent with the principles underlying these governance policies;
Embrace the overall philosophy and values of the society and its professional working guidelines;
Declare any apparent or real personal conflict of interest in accordance with the society’s Constitution, and in particular with this Code;
Resign from the Committee if he/she is unable to fulfil his/her obligation as a Committee Member due to time constraints, ill health, criminal conviction or a conflict of interest;
Comply with all other codes and policies approved by the Committee from time to time;
Roles:
President - The main person for communications regarding governance matters from Manager to Committee;
maintain profile at all gatherings – exhibitions, public occasion
Convene meeting
Set agenda for monthly meetings in liaison with Manager, Treasurer and Secretary
Ensure strategic plans are referenced with regard to all agenda items and matters before the Committee
Ensure financials are in order with liaison of all Committee and Treasure
Assist with sub-committees’ formation to assist with projects agreed upon
Direct liaison and support of Manager
With one other Committee Member, performance management meetings with Manager
Ensure Manager does performance management meetings with employees under their management
Maintain a regular profile in newsletters with Member
Secretary - Support of the Committee and President
Maintain minutes and arrange monthly meetings
Publish minutes appropriately
Support president in any/all above
Committee members - supportive and proactive in the governance oversight of the WSP
Conduct of Committee Members
A Committee Member will at all times conduct him/herself in a manner that:
Supports the strategic plan and best interests of the Waikato Society of Potters;
Brings credibility and goodwill to the society and does nothing to bring the organisation into disrepute;
Demonstrates respect for society members, partner organisations and Members of the Committee;
Respects and gives fair consideration to diverse and opposing viewpoints;
Supports and abides by the decision of the majority where consensus cannot be reached;
Avoids real or perceived conflicts of interest; and
Conforms with any by-laws and policies approved by the Committee, in particular this Code and Confidentiality Agreement.
Confidentiality
It is the responsibility of Committee Members to treat as confidential all information regarding the policies, internal operations, systems, business or affairs of the society obtained by reason of his/her status as a Committee Member and not generally available to the public.
The Waikato Society of Potters Members code of conduct
The Waikato Society of Potters provides a space for a large number of diverse creative personalities who come together in this space to create, to socialise and enjoy the facilities.
Given the number of people the WSP Committee have developed the following basic expectations, which applies to all members (life members and full members) of the WSP, including students, non-members, guests and visitors while on WSP premises.
Health and Safety
All members and guests are required to sign in and sign out.
The nominated person on duty has responsibility that all machinery is operated in a safe manner – they have the final say.
In the glazing room there are signs stating when masks are to be worn, eg., when operating the spray gun, sanding bisqueware.
No food to be consumed in the studio space, and only drinks in closed bottles.
After using the studio, all clay will be cleaned up and your space left in a clean and tidy manner.
Relationships with others
It is expected that common courtesy and politeness is the basic rule of interaction with each other.
This expectation of courtesy and politeness extends to include social media platforms.
No offensive or intrusive behaviour will be tolerated.
If classes are in operation, it is expected that there is no other member or visitor in that room at the same time.
No member or guests are to be in the WSP rooms after hours unless with the prior express permission of the manager or person on duty.
Members are encouraged to participate in the running of the society by contributing their time as a volunteer.
Accumulating up to 30 volunteer hours per year constitutes a reduced membership for the following year.
Kiln packing and firing
The Studio Assistant, Artists in Residence and Manager maintain a system for the firing of all pieces put forward for firing.
There will be no queue jumping for any person on the basis of their commercial enterprises – this is a charitable organisation.
Members will not remove work from kilns.
Payment
All Eftpos and cash payments must be processed by a staff member, Artist in Residence or volunteer on duty.
All clay purchases must be paid for – Eftpos is available.
All firing and glazing costs must be paid in advance or arrangements made with the Studio Assistant or Manager.
OUR GOALS & ASPIRATIONS
We shall not be for pecuniary gain, but to:
- Encourage and foster learning pottery by people of all ages and abilities in order to promote a healthy community, including mental and physical rehabilitation;
- Promote pottery and the various techniques of clay work to the wider community;
- Hold exhibitions in order to promote the benefits of clay work to the wider community;
- Support the Waikato pottery community by promoting activities with other bodies and individuals affiliated with pottery in the community;
- Facilitate lectures, classes, workshops and community events connected with clay work that are accessible to all;
- Advance education by sharing resources, tutors and facilities with other organisations and schools;
- Provide spaces and opportunities for artists and potters to develop their skills and art form.
STUDIO HOURS
9.30am - 4pm Monday to Friday.
Manager, Josephine, is on site Monday - Friday, 9am - 4.30pm
Assistant Manager, Libby, is on site Monday - Thursday, 9am - 5.30pm
Artists-in-Residents are on site some week days and can help with any enquiries:
Monday - Margaret De Freitas
Wednesday - Larissa Milsum
Volunteer members run the studio on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings.
LOCATION
Waikato Society of Potters
Studio 1: Ward Park Art Centre
2 Seddon Road
[Corner Ward St & Seddon Rd]
Hamilton | New Zealand
CONTACT
Hours:
Monday - Friday: 9.30am - 4pm
Saturday: 10am - 1pm (PWC only)
Phone: 07 838 1950
Email: info@waikatopotters.co.nz
Waikato Society of Potters is a
New Zealand Charitable Trust
NEWSLETTER
For weekly updates - including Open Studio and Play with Clay hours, just hop onto our News page to check what's happening . If you would like to opt in to our email newsletter, complete the following form. If you already receive regular emails from us, you are already subscribed.
