49 years and counting – Riwaka Craft Market still going strong

The clay has been molded, thrown and sculpted, the wheels have been whirring, and the kilns have been running red hot in anticipation of this year’s Riwaka Craft Market.

This is the 49th year of the craft market, which showcases some of the region’s best potters, artisans and food at the Riwaka Domain on Thursday, 2 January.

The market day is run by members of the Motueka Pottery Workshop and is the longest running craft market in the district.

Workshop chair Lyn Shirley says the market has grown since its beginning in 1977 and this year will have more than 60 different stall holders.

“As well as some of the region’s best potters, we have a wide variety of craftspeople with everything from jewellery, candles, home and garden crafts, wood turning, and lots of tasty food. There are new stalls, as well as our popular regulars, and I am always amazed at the talent in this district,” she says.

This year has seen regular raku firings at the workshop, and some one-off raku pieces will be for sale. Raku is an ancient Japanese firing technique which creates unique ceramics with a variety of colours and textures.

The Motueka Pottery Workshop celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Interest in pottery has been having a resurgence in recent years and there is a waiting list to join the workshop.

The Riwaka Craft Market is on at the Riwaka Domain on Thursday, 2 January, from 9am to 3pm.