Morris & James Matakana

20/11/2025

17/11/2025

There's no rest for the wicked! It's all systems go in the pottery factory as we work on packing down.

Snaps of the dismantling process: clay processing equipment.

16/11/2025

Third time lucky for Miriam! 🎉

Miriam was absolutely determined to be our final over-the-counter customer, and after several attempts, she finally claimed the title! Though we must admit it was getting a little expensive for her as each 'last' visit turned into another purchase while everyone snapped up their final pieces before we closed our doors.

Google Maps is already on to it - we’ve officially been removed from the map.

As we wrap up this chapter, here are a few FAQs and what’s coming up next… 👇

🏭 Is the pottery still open?
No, the pottery is now officially closed. However, our communication lines remain open here on Facebook messenger. If you want to stay in touch with us, send us a DM!

Independent operators Café Nectar and Katya Maker remain onsite - they are independently owned and operated and remain open.

🛍️ I’m waiting on an outstanding order - what happens now?
If you have an order still to be collected or paid for, we will contact you directly to arrange payment and pickup options. Thanks for your patience!

🏺 Do you have any remaining stock available?
Yes - we do have a few leftover pieces. As we work through packing down the pottery, select items may be added to our website with nationwide shipping available. Any new listings will be announced here on Facebook and through our email newsletter. We’re unable to offer product holds or pre-purchases, so the best approach is to keep an eye on our updates. We’ll share any available items as soon as they go live.

🔧 Will you be selling capital items or display equipment?
Possibly. We’re currently working through what may be available. Please note that our team will have first choice on any pottery equipment or display items before anything is offered publicly.

📢 How can I stay updated?
We have a big job ahead packing down the pottery over the next few weeks. But as one door closes, another opens - or so they say. We’ll keep you updated right here on Facebook and through our email newsletter. Watch this space.

16/11/2025

Folks - that's a wrap! We've officially closed our doors, for the final time. Thank you to all the messages and outreach of support, this community rocks. As we reflect today, our biggest joy is knowing that what was once a showroom brimming with colourful pottery is now spread far and wide in homes and gardens across New Zealand.

Why have so many people stayed with us through this journey?

While the rest of the world is going fast, we find the joy in going slow. We're that space in-between the busy, a place to pause, relax, feel joy, and reconnect with the good things in life.

It’s our hope that every time you look at your Morris & James piece, you’re reminded of this message.

We are the community that gets it. Stick around... let's see where the story goes next.

16/11/2025

We’re tracking through our very last day. In case you missed it, we’re closing our doors at 5pm today - it’s our final day open to the public. It's nearly official...

It's important to note that while we're closing our doors today, communication lines will remain open in the weeks to come. Plus we'll be posting a few goodies to the online store in the coming weeks - it looks likely that we'll have some left over stock after today.

🍾🥂 We’re getting ready to bring out the champagne and toast to 47 successful years with this playlist. If you’re celebrating with us from afar, grab yourself a drink, and have a sing-along with us:

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6BK9uA1iaGoPKm9sdPBAi9?si=xk_Tel2RT56HOml-0-sTnQ&pi=H6js-tq6QqecZ

16/11/2025

We’re getting there!

Today at 5pm, we close the pottery doors forever. It’s the very last day to wander the showroom, find anything that catches your eye, and say your goodbyes to the site. By this afternoon, our team will be letting out a well-earned sigh of relief. It’s been four intense months of Morris & James Mania! But as they say… no rest for the wicked.

Tomorrow morning, contractors arrive to begin dismantling the larger factory equipment, including the kilns and clay-processing machinery. The photos you’re seeing now are the final glimpse of the factory as you know it.

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be preparing to leave the site entirely. There’s still a huge job ahead. Any capital equipment available for sale will be announced soon. It's worth noting our own team have first dibs on cottage industry pottery items.

A bit of good news 💐
We expect to have some pieces available after today, including good stock of dinghys and rooster follies, and other individual items. We'll get these listings online for purchase with nationwide shipping options over the next two weeks - so keep your eyes out for those.

As we move into the new week, communication lines remain open, and we’ll keep you posted as we move through this next phase. Watch this space!

16/11/2025

It goes without saying there are a few sad moments today. We’ve had so many messages from folks all over the country and abroad feeling the same way! The tears come unexpectedly for us too, for our own personal reasons, but also because the pottery's closure brings a shared, collective sadness. Is it nostalgia? What are your thoughts?

Photos of our very last kiln firing that came out this morning (before, and after). These big beautiful gas powered kilns are as old as the pottery. They get dismantled from tomorrow! 😭

➡️ Wondering if these pots are available? Many of them have already sold out. Please check our previous post to see what's currently on the showroom floor. Today it's a first in, first served situation.

15/11/2025

It's our final day! See photos for current selection (taken at 12.15pm).

Unfortunately we're unable to take holds or phone orders - it's a first in, first served situation.

We're open until 5pm today ❤️

14/11/2025

As we head into a busy weekend, we want to thank the team who worked hard this week in preparation.

To our Spray Team: Mark and Calum.
Our Deco Team: Yoko, Yuka, Fran and Lesley.
And the rest of the crew: Deb, Rowan, Jacob, Stephen and Richard.

Thank you for keeping orders moving and stock flowing for our customers.