By Matilda Halley, Production Potter, Driving Creek Pottery.

In early November, Driving Creek welcomed Ngā Kaihanga Uku (The Māori Clay Artists Collective) & Friends back to Kapanga for their first visit in almost ten years. Formed in the 1980s, the collective brings together Māori artists working in clay, united by a shared commitment to working from a Māori perspective, sharing resources and knowledge and connecting with indigenous clay artists around the world.

The week began with a whakatau at Hoki Mai station. The railway station is home to sculptures by NKU members Baye Riddell, Carla Ruka and friend Mike O’Donnell, which watch over the entrance to Barry Brickell’s burial site, a testament to the long relationship between NKU and Barry. For many senior NKU members, this was their first return since the 2016 wānanga held shortly after Barry died. The theme of the visit, Ahi Kaa, centred on rekindling relationships between NKU, DCR and the wider community, and on keeping these fires burning into the future.

Most of the week was spent in wānanga in Barry’s old studio. Each day, different artists also led workshops and shared techniques with the community. Groups from the local kura kaupapa and area schools joined sessions run by Carla Ruka, where students learned to make pūtangitangi flutes from clay.

In the evenings, the Citizens’ Hall hosted four nights of artist talks. The kōrero ranged from Pacific pottery traditions, the reclamation of a Māori voice in clay, kūmara research, crystalline glazes and relationships with indigenous clay communities around the world. There were also discussions on whakapapa, honouring those who have gone before us and the revival of burial practices disrupted by colonisation. Each night, the hall came alive with waiata, laughter and the spirit of sharing.

The week culminated in the opening of the Ahi Kaa exhibition in the Driving Creek Gallery. In the words of curator Chantel Matthews, “The exhibition celebrates this legacy of sharing knowledge, resources, and artistic vision. Taking inspiration from the ethos of Barry Brickell, Ahi Kaa is a testament to the enduring bonds within the clay community. The works on display reflect a deep respect for whenua, whakapapa, and the traditions that have been kept alive and reimagined by each generation.”

For anyone who missed the chance to connect with NKU during their visit, the exhibition remains open 11 am to 3 pm, Tuesday to Sunday, until February 28, with free entry.

NKU artist and facilitator Carla Ruka says of the week “I am confident that the Ahi Kaa exhibition and wānanga, have successfully revitalised the cultural relationship between Ngā Kaihanga Uku, Driving Creek Railway and Tāngata Whenua.

“Engaging the community through enriching, culturally woven programs, fostering connections for future collaborative opportunities, and honouring the legacy of Barry Brickell and Baye Riddell was all part of this collaboration.”

It was a pleasure to work alongside the Driving Creek team, and I look forward to our future endeavours.”

Throughout the week, it was clear how deeply NKU artists live their kaupapa, from elders passing on skills to emerging makers to the care they show one another. Driving Creek extends a heartfelt mihi to all the visiting artists, as well as staff, friends and community members who helped bring the gathering to life. Thanks also to our supporters Creative Coromandel, Coromind, Te Tuhi Art Gallery, Toi Māori Aotearoa, Te Patukirikiri and Murray Peters for their guidance.