THE POI ROOM’S NEW LOCATION

THINK TABLEWARE… THINK THE STUDIO OF TABLEWARE

A fixture for many years in the eclectic streets around The Rialto in Newmarket, The Poi Room’s Gallery in Ponsonby has also made its mark, situated near The Shelter in Mackelvie Street since 2017.

Having now outgrown the space, a recent move to larger premises at 37 Ponsonby Road enabled an amalgamation of The Poi Room Gallery, offices and warehouse into one beautiful central hub.

The lower floor in the turn-of-the-century building has been refitted with soaring white gallery walls, now filled with a selection of work by exclusively Aotearoa New Zealand artists. Visitors to the gallery are welcomed into a bright, spacious setting to pore over original paintings, carved pounamu, sculpture, glass art, jewellery and prints, along with objects of function and beauty for the home.

Owners Melanie-Jane (Ngāti Porou) and Clayton Smith founded the business in 2007 on a desire to work together while sharing the unique work of artists in Aotearoa with the world. They wanted to make a positive difference to artists while creating more awareness of the calibre of work being produced locally.

The brand's essence is symbolised by its icon, the poi – always moving, changing direction when it needs to, but ultimately being something of beauty, strength and determination.

"We consider it a huge honour to showcase work that artists have poured their energy into," says Melanie-Jane. "We are the facilitators, passing these objects and art pieces into the hearts and arms of the new owner.”

Acknowledging the wairua (essence) of the new space was an important aspect of the opening celebrations at 37 Ponsonby Road in June. Scotty and Stacey Morrison performed a karakia (blessing) as friends, family and artists watched on. Already, the gallery is enjoying an influx of foot traffic and customers taking advantage of the easy access on Ponsonby Road, just down from Western Park. Street parking is available on Ponsonby Road and Hepburn Street, which has free 120-minute spots just a few metres past the corner.

"We're all super excited to be in our new space for the next chapter of The Poi Room Hikoi," says Clayton.

You can visit The Poi Room at 37 Ponsonby Road and at 17 Osborne Street, Newmarket from 9.30am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday, 9.30am - 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am - 4pm on Sundays.