22 July 2025

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT

Morris & James Pottery to close after 47 years of creative legacy - an end of an era in Matakana.

It is with deep gratitude and a touch of sadness that we announce the upcoming closure of Morris & James, after nearly 48 vibrant years of creativity, craftsmanship, and community. Founded in 1977 by visionary ceramicist Anthony Morris and architect Sue James, Morris & James has become an iconic part of the Matakana landscape, celebrated for its bold colour, handcrafted pottery, and the enduring artistry of New Zealand-made ceramics. 

Over the decades, a devoted team of artisans, designers, and craftspeople have continued to shape the Morris & James vision into a thriving pottery factory and showroom - a place where functional beauty and joyful design come to life. 

This decision has not come easily. After exploring a number of options (including selling the business) the management team have made the difficult and heartfelt decision to bring this chapter to a close. 

When visitors tour the Morris & James factory, they often express awe at the sheer scale and effort behind each piece: from mixing clay, to extruding forms, wheel throwing, spray glazing, and firing in our massive kilns. It’s a labour of love - one that takes years of skill and commitment.

The process has always been as beautiful as the finished product. Through the decades, we’ve weathered industry changes, economic shifts, and global events like COVID, but what has remained constant is you - our wonderful customers. Your enthusiasm, loyalty, and appreciation for colourful, locally crafted pieces has kept us inspired through every season. The joy our pottery has brought to gardens, homes, and hearts around New Zealand (and beyond) has been the highlight of our journey. 

What’s Next 

Over the next 3 to 4 months, we’ll be working through the remaining processed clay in the factory. Once all bisqueware is glazed and completed, we’ll begin the bittersweet process of winding down and dismantling our pottery operations. This limited production run will mark the final chapter of Morris & James. 

We encourage you to visit soon - to pick up a final piece of New Zealand’s pottery history, redeem any outstanding gift vouchers, and help us celebrate nearly five decades of creative life. 

Stay Connected 

We’ll be sharing updates, final releases, and behind-the-scenes stories on our Facebook page, so please follow along as we commemorate this special moment in time. Please scroll down for our list of FAQ.

Above all, we thank you.

Thank you for every visit, every story shared, every piece purchased with love. Morris & James has always been more than just pottery - it’s been a shared celebration of colour, beauty, and joy. We look forward to seeing you in these final months and saying goodbye in person. 

With heartfelt appreciation, 

The Morris & James Team

Frequently asked questions

When are you closing?

Last updated 23 July:

We don’t have a final date yet. We’re currently working through our last clay - throwing the final batch of pots over the next 4 weeks. These will then dry for another 4 weeks before we glaze and fire them. Based on this, we estimate we’ll close in 2–3 months time (late October, to be confirmed). We’ll keep you updated on Facebook and in our email newsletter.

 I’ve been enquiring about an item via phone/ email/ Facebook, but haven’t heard back?

Last updated 14 August:

We’re working through enquiries as quickly as we can. Thank you for your patience - we’re here and we want to help everyone get one last special piece of Morris & James to treasure.

Currently, the best way to buy is to visit our showroom. New pieces are coming out of the kiln regularly, and the best way to buy is to visit us on the weekend. We restock the showroom ahead of Saturday for the widest range. Please check our Facebook page before making the trip - we are currently low on stock due to high demand.

If you're enquiring about a specific item for an existing order, please call us on 09 422 7116.

Note the sales team don't have access to our Facebook comments or messages.

Deb is still working through the existing email queue of enquiries - if you emailed us before 14 August, we’ll get back to you. We are unable to process any new online enquiries at this stage as we need to focus on production and the orders that we have committed to.

 Can I place an order?

Last updated 14 August:

We are no longer able to take any more orders. 

Since announcing our closure, demand has been unprecedented. Every piece is hand-thrown and glazed by our skilled team, and the time and care each one requires means we simply don’t have the scope or manpower to take on more orders in the remaining months ahead. 

Deb is still working through the existing email queue - if you emailed us before today about an order, we’ll get back to you. We are unable to process any new online enquiries at this stage as we need to focus on production and the orders that we have committed to.

 Can I redeem my gift voucher?

Absolutely. Please aim to redeem vouchers within before the end of September - the sooner, the better. We can also redeem these via phone if you can't visit us in the near future.

Please call us to redeem your voucher: 09 422 7116

 Are Factory Tours still running?

Last updated 14 August:

Yes - for now. Factory Tours will continue daily at 11:30am indefinitely until announced otherwise. Once we begin dismantling machinery, these will stop... so now’s your chance to visit while you still can. We will announce updates on Facebook and in our email newsletter.

 I can’t visit the pottery - do you ship?

Last updated 14 August:

Yes, for many items. However, we're not currently taking new orders.

Since announcing our closure, demand has been unprecedented. Every piece is hand-thrown and glazed by our skilled team, and the time and care each one requires means we simply don’t have the scope or manpower to take on more orders in the remaining months ahead. 

If you’ve emailed us before today, we’ll get back to you. We are unable to process any new enquiries at this stage via email or Facebook, as we need to focus on production and the orders that we have committed to.

 Is your online shop still active?

12 August - High Demand Update:

We’re no longer accepting online orders from our website.

I’m a private investor - is there an opportunity to talk?

Yes - please email us and we’ll connect you with our General Manager, Kieran Rice: sales@morrisandjames.co.nz

 Are you selling equipment?

Yes - but not just yet. We’ll post an update on Facebook once we’re ready to sell any factory equipment.

 Is the café still open?

Yes! Café Nectar is independently owned and remains open. Please contact them directly for opening hours.

Please note that the cafe cannot assist with pottery enquiries :)

 Will you have a Labour Weekend Sale this year?

At this stage, we’re unsure if we’ll still be open by then. If you’re planning a Labour Weekend trip, we recommend making a Plan B - and if there’s something you’ve got your eye on, come in sooner rather than later for the best selection.

 Do you ship to Australia?

We can occasionally ship overseas, depending on the shape and weight of the item. Your best bet is to let us know which items you're interested in and your location, and we’ll advise the options. Some heavier pieces are simply too costly or risky to send internationally.

 Do you have any specials?

Yes - we have individually priced second-grade and yellow-dot specials available. You can view these in our seconds area when you visit us, or head over to our dedicated ‘Morris & James Specials’ Facebook group.

Many items have only minor (sometimes undetectable) imperfections, and the pots are unbadged. For prices, sizing, or to check suitability for shipping, please contact our team: sales@morrisandjames.co.nz

Some discounted items with cracks aren't suitable for shipping - the team can advise on this. Access the group to view our latest specials and sale items here.

12 August - High Demand Update: Please note our showroom is currently very low on stock, including second-grade. Follow our Facebook page for the latest updates.