Ruru Artisans at the Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri

Come see Ruru Artisans at The Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, which represents the vibrant spirit of New Zealand's artisan community. This bustling market, held every Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday offers a unique blend of fresh produce, local crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

The Old Packhouse Market in Kerikeri, Bay of Islands, represents the vibrant spirit of New Zealand’s artisan community. This bustling market, held every Friday evening, Saturday, and Sunday offers a unique blend of fresh produce, local crafts, and a vibrant atmosphere that attracts both locals and tourists alike.

The attraction of the Old Packhouse Market lies in its diversity, with a warren of stalls filled all kinds of treasure, from locally grown and processed fresh produce to handcrafted goods that include our own hand crafted printed products. There are also ceramics, jewelry, textiles, and woodworks that all showcase the creativity and skill of local artisans.

As you enjoy the live music and entertainment on market days, savour the aromas that waft through the air as food stalls tempt visitors with delicious treats. From freshly baked bread to gourmet cheeses and mouthwatering street food.

For Ruru Artisans, the Old Packhouse Market offers a unique platform to showcase our talents and connect directly with customers. We can take cash, EFTPOS, or direct credit transfers, which suits the many overseas visitors we see every week. This also offers a valuable opportunity for us to build our brand and increase visibility. By interacting with customers directly, we share our passion for our craft and build relationships with potential buyers. The market fosters a sense of community among other artisans by providing a space for us to network, share ideas, and learn from each other. This collaborative spirit has leds to new opportunities and collaborations.

Engaging with customers at the Old Packhouse Market has allowed us to get direct feedback on our products. This is helping us to refine our designs, improve our craft, and better understand the needs and preferences of our customers. In doing so, the market provides a vital source of income and allows us to pursue our passion for creating while earning a living from our craft. Also, showcasing the talents of local artisans encourages the consumption of locally produced goods. This supports the growth of small business locally and strengthens the local economy.

Filling space on an empty Sunday 20250705

Tae ki te toi: Colour in pre-European Māori art

11/10/2023

In his paper, “On the fine perception of colours etc.”, William Colenso describes the use of colour by pre-European Māori from his first-hand experience of having met and observed the work of elderly Māori still alive at the time. The legacy he provides offers a rare glimpse into how ancient Māori created and used colour, shape, and texture for various purposes. We have tried to bring to life Colenso’s legacy by applying elements he describes in a contemporary frame; using colours described, creating letterpress printing inks from natural sources to produce prints, making use of printing substrates made from locally produced materials, iconographic representations of the source materials and artefacts produced by those that Colenso worked with.