Ngā Kaihanga Uku is a national organisation of Māori clay workers, begun in 1986. The artists here are founding members of the group. They came together sharing a desire to make works in clay based on kaupapa Māori (fundamental Māori principals).

Māori had no tradition of clay as a medium for their art, so Ngā Kaihanga Uku has developed a cooperative style of working and provided a network for sharing knowledge and skills.

The artists have been supported by their elders as well as other potters and artists, both Māori and Pakeha (European New Zealanders). They have also engaged in cultural exchanges with other indigenous peoples who work in clay.

Manos Nathan has placed much of his work within the framework of his tribe’s customary practices, while Baye Riddell’s work embraces both Māori and Christian beliefs.

Colleen Urlich and Paerau Corneal draw on powerful female figures in Māori creation stories. Colleen’s journey has also taken her back to the clay work of the ancient Pacific Lapita culture, while Paerau has developed strong abstract forms.

In Wi Taepa’s work, innovative design is combined with customary Māori and Polynesian forms.