Visiting the Studio & Practical Information
Where is Ayni Pottery & Ceramics Studio located?
Ayni Pottery & Ceramics Studio is located in Central Auckland, in the basement of La Gonda Arcade on Karangahape Road.
Detailed directions and access information can be found here.
Please note: when the arcade is closed (weekdays after 6 pm and weekends), access is via the Poynton Terrace entrance. Look for the grey building with the children-playing graffiti.
Can I visit the studio?
Yes. The studio is open Wednesday and Thursday, 12:00–6:00 pm, and at other times by appointment.
Opening hours are kept up to date on Google Maps and social media.
Can I purchase pottery when I visit?
Yes. A selection of ceramic work is available for purchase at the studio.
Payment can be made via EFTPOS, bank transfer, or cash.
Do you have a showroom?
Ayni is a working studio — a place where pieces are created, taught, and lived with before they leave.
Visitors are welcome during scheduled opening hours or by appointment.
Where do you source your clay from?
Clay is sourced locally within Aotearoa New Zealand.
Some pieces may include wild clay, gathered and tested as part of the creative process.
How often do you release new work?
New work is released as it becomes available, following the rhythm of making and firing.
The best way to stay informed is by joining the Alchemy newsletter.
How long will my order take to be delivered?
Orders are processed weekly. Once dispatched, a tracking number will be provided.
How can I follow up on an order?
Tracking details can be followed directly via NZ Post using the assigned number.
Studio Policies & Participation
When do you respond to enquiries?
Enquiries are responded to during weekday admin hours.
Please allow up to 48 hours for a reply.
What are the studio hours?
Current studio hours are listed on the Contact page and kept up to date on Google Maps and social media.
Are there cancellations or refunds?
All bookings are subject to the studio’s cancellation and refund policy, which is available at the time of booking.
Can I bring guests or children?
Only registered participants may attend classes and workshops, unless otherwise stated.
Supplies & Materials
Are tools and clay provided?
For one-off workshops, tools and clay are provided for communal use.
For term classes, participants are expected to purchase or bring their own tools and clay.
You only pay for what you use.
Can I buy clay at the studio?
Yes. A selection of tested clays is available for purchase when enrolling in term classes.
Clay can be purchased in various weights at the first class.
Can I bring my own clay?
Yes, provided the clay is tested and suitable for firing up to 1300°C.
Untested clay cannot be fired in the studio kiln.
Do you offer firing services?
The studio does not offer firing services.
Only work made during Ayni classes and workshops is fired in the studio.
(This boundary is intentional and allows the studio to function sustainably.)
Firing & Collection
Is firing included in classes?
Yes, within set limits.
One-off workshops: firing of one small piece per participant
Term classes: firing of up to three small pieces per participant
Additional pieces incur extra fees.
How are pieces fired?
All work is fired in a gas kiln, where actual flame moves through the kiln and touches each piece, bringing depth, variation, and character to the final surface.
When can I collect my work?
Finished pieces are ready for collection 6–8 weeks after completion.
Firings are scheduled and depend on kiln volume and availability.
Classes & Learning
What types of classes are offered?
Ayni offers term classes, one-off workshops, and private sessions, exploring clay through hand-building and wheel-throwing.
What are term classes?
Term classes run weekly for ten weeks, aligned with school terms where possible.
Participants may join for the first half (five weeks), second half, or the full term.
These classes offer time to develop skills, deepen understanding, and explore personal projects within a supportive studio environment.
Firing is included for up to three small pieces per participant.
What workshops are offered?
Workshops are one-off sessions, ideal for exploration without long-term commitment.
Participants may work by hand or on the wheel.
Special edition workshops are occasionally offered for seasonal moments such as Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day.
Firing of one small piece per participant is included.
Can I book a private function?
Yes. Private sessions are available for groups seeking a shared creative experience, including team days, celebrations, or small gatherings.
Hand-building: up to 14 participants
Wheel-throwing: up to 8 participants
Private functions are best booked at least one week in advance, with final numbers confirmed 72 hours prior.
To enquire, email hola@ayni.co.nz.
Commissions
From time to time, I accept commissions that align with my artistic language and allow space for exploration.
I work best when given creative freedom rather than fixed outcomes. Each commission is approached as a dialogue — guided by intention, material, and process.
If you feel drawn to my work and trust the way I create, you are welcome to enquire via hola@ayni.co.nz
