Join us for hands-on workshops with visiting and local artists, plus exhibitions and events throughout the year.
Adult Taster Wheel Session
Try the pottery wheel in this beginner-friendly session with Eva Corsen. A relaxed, hands-on introduction to throwing.
Retrospective Potters Exhibition
Join us for a special three-week retrospective celebrating the potters who have helped shape the story of the Rotorua Potters Group.
This exhibition brings together treasured works from current and long-standing foundational members, highlighting the pieces that best tell each artist’s unique pottery journey. From early explorations to refined mastery, each work reflects the creativity, dedication, and community spirit that have defined the group over the years.
Opening Night: Thursday, 9 April 2026
Opening Event: 5.30 pm – 7.00 pm (all welcome)
Exhibition Dates: 9–29 April 2026
The exhibition will be held at The Arts Village, the home of the Rotorua Potters Group.
This exhibition is open to current and past Rotorua Potters Group members
Please note: as this exhibition is for 'foundational' RPG members, after submitting this form, you should receive acceptance of your entries to confirm your spot in the exhibition.
Entries close at noon on Friday, 3 April. Each potter may submit up to five entries. Entries may consist of multiple pieces (for example, sets). Works do not need to be for sale. Please indicate NFS (Not for Sale) in your entry form if you do not wish to sell a piece.
Kids Holiday Parent & Kid Play Session (Age 6+)
A special holiday session for parents and kids (6+) to create side by side on the pottery wheel.
4-Week Introductory Wheel Throwing Workshop
Build confidence on the pottery wheel in this four-week beginner course, guided by experienced potter Rachael Felt.
Members Raku Firing
Our Members raku firings happen across the year, offering potters a firing experience with magical outcomes!
This event is weather permitting.
4-Week Introductory Wheel Throwing Workshop
A beginner-friendly course to build wheel skills and create beautiful functional pieces to keep.
Fiona Tunnicliffe Animal Workshop
Workshop Description
Create your own ceramic animal sculpture with award-winning ceramic artist Fiona Tunnicliffe. Using Fiona’s tried-and-tested techniques, participants will learn how to build expressive animal forms while exploring texture, pattern, and relief work.
Participants are encouraged to bring a photo of an animal they would like to create. Fiona will guide you through the process of bringing it to life in clay using handbuilding techniques.
Cost: $210 per person (maximum 10 participants)
Included:
Firing of one finished piece
One bag of clay
About the Tutor
Renowned ceramic artist Fiona Tunnicliffe, with over 30 years' experience, specialises in creating captivating animal-inspired ceramic pieces. Each sculpture radiates its unique personality, enriched by meticulous application of textures and patterns, and relief work.
Her work has earned widespread acclaim, earning her numerous awards, including People's Choice and Top Honours at major New Zealand Art and Ceramic exhibitions, cementing her status as a hugely respected artist in the ceramic world.
Returning to the Rotorua Potters Group studio, Fiona will lead this hands-on workshop and share the techniques she uses to develop characterful ceramic animal forms.
Skill Level
Some confidence with clay handbuilding techniques is helpful but not essential. This workshop is suitable for potters looking to expand their handbuilding skills.
Kids Wheel Play Session (Age 6+)
A fun wheel experience for kids aged 6+ to spin, shape and create their own clay pieces.
Adult Taster Wheel Session
Try the pottery wheel in this beginner-friendly session with Eva Corsen. A relaxed, hands-on introduction to throwing.
Valentines Day Pick & Paint
Join us this Valentine’s Day for a fun, creative Pick & Paint session — all welcome!
We’re opening up our treasure trove of bisque pottery and giving it new life. Each person gets to choose two unique pieces and transform them with colour, pattern, and plenty of personality. Whether you’re a total beginner or a confident creator, this is a relaxed, feel-good session to unwind and make something truly your own.
No experience needed — we’ll provide all the paints, tools, and guidance to help your ideas come to life. Just bring yourself and a little imagination!
Date: Saturday 14 February
Time: 10am – 12pm
Cost: $40 per person
Includes: 2 pottery pieces + all materials and glazing
Bring: Nothing – we’ve got you covered!
Spaces are limited, so grab a friend, book your spot, and enjoy a creative morning full of colour and good vibes.
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop
4-Week Wheel Throwing Workshop with John & Carmen Hackshaw
Join experienced potters John and Carmen Hackshaw for a four-week introductory wheel throwing workshop, designed for those wanting to build confidence with the fundamentals of working on the wheel.
Over the course of the workshop, participants will learn core wheel-throwing techniques while creating simple forms such as small planters. Each participant will be able to keep three finished pieces* to take home.
Ages 13-16 are welcome with a participating adult.
Dates:
9, 16, 23 February & 2 March
Time:
Mondays, 5–7 pm
Cost:
$270 per person
*Additional pieces beyond the included three may be purchased for $5 per piece.
Art in the Park 2026
The Rotorua Potters Group will be joining Art in the Park 2026, Rotorua’s iconic free family-friendly arts market!
Come and see our stall and explore a fantastic day of local art, live music, demonstrations, and hands-on creative fun.
Date: Sunday, 1 February 2026
Time: 9am – 2pm
Location: Government Gardens, Rotorua
Set in the beautiful Government Gardens, this event has been running for over 20 years and is a must-visit for anyone who loves art, craft, and creativity. Don’t miss the chance to meet our potters, watch live demonstrations, and get inspired by the amazing local talent!
Drawing From the Past: Sgraffito Workshop
Create your own sgraffito coaster inspired by striking mid-century designs. Guided by our workshop facilitators, you’ll explore beautiful textiles selected from the archive collections at Rotorua Library, Te Aka Mauri, and the social history collection at Rotorua Museum – Te Whare Taonga o Te Arawa. Along the way, you’ll learn the art of sgraffito on clay and discover how to bring patterns and textures to life.
This workshop is open to the public and costs $30 per person. It also happens to fall on the final day of our annual exhibition—the perfect chance to celebrate the creativity of the Rotorua Potters Group while enjoying this hands-on experience.
Handbuild Your Own Herb Pot (Koha Entry)
Handbuild Your Own Herb Pot with Rotorua Potters Group!
Join us for a fun, hands-on 30-minute workshop where you can explore the joy of working with clay. Perfect for all ages, it’s a great way to get creative and experience pottery for yourself!
The workshop runs in 30-minute sessions at 11:00 am (FULL), 11:45 am (FULL), and 12:30 pm at The Arts Village (Studio 3). Suitable for ages 6 and up, pre-booking is essential as spots are limited, so be sure to secure yours early. Workshop fee is by koha, with donations appreciated.
Come along, get creative, and make your very own handmade herb pot. This workshop series is part of the Rotorua Potters Annual Exhibition, running 7 November – 5 December at The Arts Village.
Workshop Registration
Duncan Shearer Teapot Workshop (RPG Members Only)
Learn from renowned potter Duncan Shearer for a full-day workshop focused on wheel-thrown teapots.
Wheel Throwing Taster Workshop
Join Rotorua Potters Group member and tutor Eva Corson on Saturday, November 8th, from 2 pm – 4 pm for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the basics of creating pottery on the wheel.
Perfect for beginners, this two-hour session includes clay and firings, all for $60 per person.
This workshop is currently full. To be placed on the waitlist, please contact: rotoruapottersnewsletter@gmail.com.
Wheel Throwing Taster Workshop
Join Rotorua Potters Group member and tutor Eva Corson on Saturday, November 8th, from 11.30am – 1.30pm for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the basics of creating pottery on the wheel.
Perfect for beginners, this two-hour session includes clay and firings, all for $60 per person.
This workshop is now full, but a waitlist is available. A second session has been added at 2pm on the same day — click here to view it.
Kids 2-Day Carving Workshop
A creative two-day workshop designed for young potters aged 6 and up!
2025 Annual Pottery Exhibition Opening
The 2025 Annual Pottery Exhibition runs from 7 November to 5 December at The Arts Village, Rotorua. Opening night kicks off at 5.30pm on 7 November. Celebrate the creativity of local potters and explore a diverse showcase of handcrafted ceramics.
Big thanks to RPG member Sarah Kolver for her awesome photography skills, capturing the spirit of the exhibition!
Kōanga Market Stall
Rotorua Potters Group will be holding a stall at the Kōanga Markets at The Arts Village.
Come down to see the beautiful handmade creations our potters have up for sale!
Tee Pee Firing (RPG Members Event)
Join us for an exciting pit firing! For more details, contact the club or keep an eye on your emails.
Dorothy Armstrong - Handbuilding for Raku
Join us for a hands-on Raku workshop where you'll learn how to build and glaze a piece in preparation for a future Raku firing.
Carving Workshop with Ukumad
Hand-build and carve kakano (seeds) with Stevei Houkāmau, exploring whakapapa, personal stories, and Māori clay traditions over two days.
Kids Wheel Workshop
A fun, hands-on introduction to the pottery wheel for kids aged 6 and up!
Members Bonsai Session (Part Two )
The Rotorua Bonsai and Rotorua Potters Group are coming together for a two-part workshop on Bonsai pot making!
Members Bonsai Session (Part One)
The Rotorua Bonsai and Rotorua Potters Group are coming together for a two-part workshop on Bonsai pot making!
Canine Sculpture Workshop
Join us for a fun and creative pottery workshop where you’ll sculpt your very own doggo! Guided by experienced ceramic artist Mick Cassidy, you’ll learn how to capture the charm, personality, and unique quirks of your favourite furry friend in clay. Mick will share his tips, tricks, and techniques for creating expressive, characterful animal forms.
The Arts Village Haututū Day - Pottery Workshop
Pottery Workshop as part of The Arts Village’s Haututū Day
Grab N Glaze (Walk-In Session)
Pop into the studio and paint your very own piece of pottery!
A Potters Mark Exhibition
A Potters Mark Exhibition: Bay of Plenty & Waikato Wide Pottery Exhibition
Absolute Beginners Adult Wheel Session with REF Ceramics
3:00 - 5:00pm Wheel Taster Session with REF Ceramics