We’re Rob and Rose Powley, and we’ve been quietly making pots, mugs, goblets, platters (and everything in between) from our studio in Hamurana for decades.
What started as a creative outlet has become a lifestyle—and a legacy. Welcome to our world of mud, magic, and mugs that don’t match (on purpose).
Rob has been potting for over 50 years (yes, that’s five decades of throwing!) His happy place? Sitting at the wheel, throwing one pot after another like a caffeinated wizard. It's part art, part science, and part sheer muscle memory—and Rob's got it down to an artform.
“These are goblets made by my brother, Rob.”
“Ah—Roblets!”
Pit-Fired Perfection
Some of our most dramatic pieces are pit-fired—literally fired in a pit like a hangi.
Buried in sawdust with copper and salt, then smouldered under a fire for two days.
We dig them up, clean them off, and reveal a mix of smoky trails, autumn tones, and vibrant hues. Nature signs each one herself.
Rose’s Whimsical World
She runs workshops that are perfect for hens’ parties, baby showers, team-building days, or just a really fun time. No experience needed—just a willingness to play with clay.
The Studio Experience
Every piece is made right here—from throwing to glazing to firing. The studio is beautiful, messy, and 100% hands-on.
Glazing Magic
Glazing is where things get truly unpredictable. Christmas morning… with more ceramic drama. We mix our own glazes and give them names once they reveal themselves!
Frequently asked questions
Are all your pieces handmade?
Yes. Every piece is hand-thrown, hand-glazed, and hand-fired right here in our Rotorua studio. We don’t use moulds or mass production techniques, so no two items are exactly the same.
Do you take custom orders or commissions?
We do take on a limited number of custom orders depending on the request and our current workload. Feel free to get in touch and let us know what you’re after!
Where can I buy your pottery?
You can visit us at our home studio in Hamurana (open weekends), or shop selected pieces online. We’re slowly adding more to our website as we go.
Do you offer shipping?
We’re starting with local pickup only, but we plan to offer nationwide shipping soon. Join our mailing list or follow us on Instagram for updates.
Can I visit your studio?
Yes! We’re open on weekends and welcome visitors. You can browse, chat, and see where everything is made. Check our Instagram or Google listing for up-to-date hours.
Pricing the Priceless
Trying to price a piece that took hours (or days), decades of experience, and a bit of fire wizardry? Not easy. We do our best to keep our work accessible while honouring the craft.