Unique handcrafted ceramics from Borrowed Earth – celebrating the beauty of handmade pottery with designs honouring Māori, Fijian, and English heritage from their Whangaparaoa studio.
Borrowed Earth creates unique, handcrafted ceramic art made in Aotearoa New Zealand. Based in Whangaparaoa, ceramicists Adele and Richie create pieces that honour their Māori, Fijian, and English heritage – each item telling a story and celebrating the imperfect perfection of handmade work.
Key Facts
- Brand: Borrowed Earth
- Artists: Adele & Richie
- Location: Whangaparaoa, Auckland
- Specialty: Handcrafted ceramics, pottery
- Heritage: Māori, Fijian, English
The Borrowed Earth Story
Borrowed Earth began when Adele found herself between jobs. Her mother taught her how to pot, and her father gave up his treasured garage so Adele could develop her own ceramic studio – a family gift that launched a creative journey.
Learning the Craft
Adele later worked in the Collis Ceramic Studio, gaining skills and knowledge before becoming part of a craft collective in the iconic Victoria Park Market. This community of makers helped shape her distinctive approach to ceramics.
A Creative Partnership
Richie joined as a technician, lending a hand when Adele needed extra help. Eventually he left his job to become the other half of Borrowed Earth. Now the pair work from their purpose-built studio in Whangaparaoa.
Creative Philosophy
Connection to Land & Lineage
Borrowed Earth’s work reflects their connection to papatuanuku (the land) and whakapapa (ancestral lineages). Every piece honours the clay from which it came and the traditions that inspire its form.
Celebrating Imperfection
Each piece celebrates “the imperfect perfection of handmade work.” Rather than striving for machine-like uniformity, Borrowed Earth embraces the unique character that handcrafting brings to every item.
Vegan-Friendly Practice
As passionate vegans, Adele and Richie ensure all their work is vegan-friendly. No animal products are used in any stage of production.
Borrowed Earth Collections
Into the Garden Range
The “Into the Garden” range features two distinct designs celebrating the natural world:
Magic Garden
Bold, bright colours bring gardens to life in this vibrant collection. Flowers, leaves, and natural forms dance across each piece in a free-spirited celebration of colour.
Pacific Garden
With a strong emphasis on black and white design, the Pacific Garden range offers a more graphic, contemporary take on botanical themes.
Whakatauki Bowls
Special pieces featuring Māori proverbs, created exclusively for selected retailers including Creative & Brave. These bowls combine traditional wisdom with contemporary ceramic art.
Borrowed Earth Product Range
Mugs
Handcrafted ceramic mugs that make every cup of tea or coffee a moment to savour. Each mug is food safe and dishwasher friendly.
Bowls
From small trinket bowls to generous serving bowls, these pieces bring artistry to everyday dining.
Plates
Dinner plates and side plates that transform meals into occasions. Food safe and designed for daily use.
Vessels
Decorative vessels and vases that bring Borrowed Earth’s distinctive aesthetic to any space.
Where to Find Borrowed Earth Ceramics
Online
Shop directly at borrowedearth.co.nz for the complete range with New Zealand-wide shipping.
New Zealand Galleries
Borrowed Earth is stocked by premium retailers including The Coolstore Gallery, The Vault NZ, Auckland Museum Online Store, and Kina NZ Design + Artspace.
Studio Visits
The Whangaparaoa studio welcomes visitors by appointment only. Contact [email protected] or call 09 424 4578 to arrange a visit.
Caring for Your Borrowed Earth Ceramics
Food Safety
All domestic ware (mugs, bowls, plates, vessels) is food safe and can be used for everyday dining.
Dishwasher & Microwave
Most pieces are dishwasher safe. Check individual items for microwave compatibility.
Handling
While durable, handmade ceramics should be handled with care. Avoid sudden temperature changes which can cause thermal shock.
Explore More NZ Ceramics & Pottery
Discover other talented New Zealand ceramicists including Bob Steiner’s Auckland pottery, Painted Pacific’s bird ceramics, and our guide to NZ ceramic art.