Registered as an incorporated society in 1965 by an enthusiastic group of potters in Wellington, New Zealand, the New Zealand Society of Potters has grown to some four hundred members.

The affiliation of about three dozen independent pottery clubs throughout New Zealand together with a number of corporate businesses greatly increases its effective membership.

Conventions and Exhibitions

Regular activities open to all members include:

• the annual Convention and National Exhibition
• the biennial Ballantynes Tableware Exhibition held in Christchurch.

Workshop Tours

The Society is also active in co-ordinating annual workshop tours by New Zealand and overseas potters.

Other activities of NZSP include:

• representing the interest of potters in response to activities of NZ authorities ( e.g. ACC levies)
• organised representation on national issues
• regular publication in colour of a magazine called Ceramics Quarterly .
• publication of the nzpotters.com wich is a comprehensive website now approaching its millionth visitor.
• an Insurance scheme devised for potters by Stewart Westley Insurances.
• maintenance of a comprehensive database of potters and pottery groups throughout NZ
• a lending library of pottery videos
• publication of:
  • Potters Beware and Gulie's Glaze Making written for members by members.
  • Then and Now - a survey of the society 1963 to 2009
  • Marks of New Zealand Potters - an illustrated list of over 1500 marks used by New Zealan potters to identify their work. This is an invaluable reference for collectors etc.
• an on-line competition for tertiary students enrolled in a ceramics course.