Morris & James Matakana

17/04/2026

It's in production - The Clay That Connects Us is officially on press! We expect it to arrive in June - shipping by sea, so we'll keep you updated as it gets closer.

75% of our 500 copies have already been claimed through pre-sales.

Preview the first 20 pages here →
https://delicate-pegasus-94c179.netlify.app/

13/04/2026

Hi everyone! For those asking, here's an update about the highly anticipated community-created book, The Clay That Connects Us.

The book has already been sent to print, and we're expecting it to arrive to NZ in June this year. If you've already pre-ordered, your book order is secure and will be delivered once produced and arrives by boat/ clears customs. Since we no longer have a warehouse or shipping capability, we have a logistic partner who will help us safely ship the items.

If you would like notifications along the way, check back here on Facebook, and make sure our emails are not going to spam. Just note if you ordered the book with your phone number (instead of your email), you may not get email updates (but tracking info will come to your phone once it arrivea).

The 'indigo' file (pictured) are single sheets printed here for proofing and quality control.

We've taken an mini hiatus for a much needed breather with more news and book updates coming soon.

We still have copies available on preorder too:
https://www.morrisandjames.co.nz/

27/03/2026

SOLD

The one-and-only Morris & James (XXL) Amphora is up for sale.

This big beauty is the last thing that remains, and she's still looking for a home.

All information in the post - note this is a decorative item.

Price $1,500 - send us a message to view or discuss. We are open to offers.

05/03/2026

We did it! 📚 The Clay That Connects Us has been proofed and is now off to print. Inside are 240 pages of Morris & James goodness - including over 200 community stories and the final production catalogue in the back.

It’s been an honour bringing together so many voices from the Morris & James community to create this shared record. The book is due to land May/June. We’re printing 500 copies, and 65% are already sold, so there’s still time to secure yours if you’ve been meaning to.

A surprising side-effect of this book and process has been a deep sense of closure and of course joy reading all the different stories about what makes Morris & James pottery so special. It's wonderful to commemorate the pottery in this way, thanks to your support.

More inspiration coming soon! Next step is to obtain the hard copy proof...

04/03/2026

Morris & James Totem Pole Auction!

A beautiful Morris & James Totem Pole will be featured in the Art Affair Silent Auction, helping raise funds for Harbour Hospice in Warkworth.

🗓 Silent auction opens: Friday, 6pm
🗓 Auction closes: Sunday, 3.30pm

If you would like to place a bid on this special piece, please email Emily Thomas at:
📧 Emily.Thomas@harbourhospice.org.nz

All proceeds raised at Art Affair will go directly towards supporting specialist palliative care for patients in the Warkworth community.

25/02/2026

Hi everyone - Amanda here with an update on The Clay That Connects Us 📚

I’m happy to share that the book is really taking shape, and we’re heading into proofreading this weekend. It has truly been a labour of love thus far - and an emotional journey! So many of your stories are extremely moving. On many occasions I’ve wanted to write to each of you personally to tell you how special your submission is… time just hasn’t allowed (yet!), but please know how much they’ve meant. I know they will resonate far beyond these pages. This book is truly a snapshot of shared human experience, so much more than pottery.

We're pushing hard this week to finalise everything including help by my expert designer Eleanor, Rowan (ex-showroom manager) on proof reading, and of course Kieran and Deb. Thanks to the previous pottery staff who have also submitted a story for some different perspectives throughout.

While we’re committed to a 500-copy print run, we haven’t completely sold through on presale. That means copies will still be available after today’s presale deadline - until they sell out. So if you’ve been meaning to secure yours, there’s still time. The book will land here in May/June this year, and delivered to your door then.

We’ve also had 26 books ordered by libraries around New Zealand (we’re working through an agent for these, so I don’t yet have confirmation of exactly which libraries, yet).

If you’ve sent us a story or an email and are wondering where things are at - I've got a bit of a system to ensure we're accurately recording your stories and imagery. A possible challenge at this stage is fitting everyone in while keeping the book balanced and structured, but we're making it happen.

For any enquiries, you can email me at marketing@morrisandjames.co.nz
or send me a DM 😊

Time to make another coffee ☕

ISBN 978-0-473-77333-5 A Morris & James Book. Limited preorder edition – estimated delivery May-June 2026. Preorders close 25th February (updated). The Clay That Connects Us is a limited-edition Morris & James coffee table book bringing together customer stories, memories, and journeys - c...

15/02/2026

📚 Book cover voting has officially closed!

The results are in - Kieran’s Bar (aka Morris & James Tiles) is the winning design.

A huge thank you to everyone who cast their vote and helped shape this final detail of The Clay That Connects Us. It’s special to see the community involved right through to the cover.

We’re now creating the final print-ready cover artwork, refining the details so it pops on press. The image shared is a concept mock-up - the finished cover will be elevated for production.

On to the next stage...✨

15/02/2026

Missed it live? You can tune in for the replay 🗣️

We had the pleasure of chatting with Perlina Lau about The Clay That Connects Us by Morris & James - sharing the story behind the project and how the journey is unfolding so far.

With artwork tracking toward finalisation and a planned send-to-print date of 25 February, we’re very much in the thick of crafting what we hope will be a truly beautiful publication.

After almost 50 years in business, iconic Matakana pottery company Morris and James closed its doors last year. But now the legacy of the ceramics studio, known for their colourful and bold kitchen and garden ware, will live on.

12/02/2026

We’re joining Culture 101 on RNZ National radio this Sunday, chatting with Perlina Lau about The Clay That Connects Us book project (between 12-4pm!) 🗣️

Perlina Lau hosts a weekly show about creativity and culture in Aotearoa.

12/02/2026

📚 Help us get The Clay That Connects Us into libraries across New Zealand!

With preorders closing on 25 February, we’re want to make this publication accessible to as many communities as possible - and we need your help.

If you’d like to see the book in your local library, head to your library’s website and look for the “Suggest a Book” section. Many libraries offer a simple request form where you can recommend titles for their catalogue - making them available for everyone in your area.

The Clay That Connects Us, by Morris & James
📖 ISBN: 978-0-473-77333-5
📧 Library enquiries: marketing@morrisandjames.co.nz

More information available on our website:
https://www.morrisandjames.co.nz/products/the-clay-that-connects-us-hardcover-book

The more requests libraries receive, the more likely they are to add the item to their catalogue. Your help will bring the book to more people around the country.

12/02/2026

Morris & James Pottery Supplies Sale
This Friday & Saturday (13-14 February 2026)
9am – 1pm
48 Tongue Farm Road, Matakana

We’re releasing remaining pottery supplies and materials including:

• Glaze components
• Frits
• Stains
• Other specialist raw materials
• Kiln posts (40cm & 80cm)
• Final kiln shelves
• Plaster moulds for hand forming
• Racks and boards

All priced at more than 50% off cost.

An opportunity to secure professional studio materials at exceptional value.

For any questions, please text Kieran on 021 239 6020.

First in, first served - this is the last chance to get pottery supplies leftover from the closure of Morris & James.

To download the supplies price list:
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0904/8866/files/MJ_Supplies_-_Sheet1.pdf?v=1770875921