Nick’s passion for pottery began early, when Chester Nealie taught him at high school. Nick trained in Devon with Michael Leach, son of Bernard Leach, who founded the famed Leach family pottery. Back in Aotearoa, Nick lived and worked at Barry Brickell’s Driving Creek pottery. In Peru, he worked on the Harry and May Davis aid project assisting indigenous Quechua to establish potteries. On his return he worked for some time with Ian Smail at Nodsdale. Pottery enthusiasts will remember him as Nick Stather. Waterson is his maternal family name.

In 2024 he established Waterson Pottery, overlooking the beautiful Mahurangi Harbour. Nick’s passion is traditional English slipware, a centuries old practice. Only experience engenders an ability to throw and decorate with an instinctive ease, to provide a kind of muscle memory gained over time. Slipware decoration doesn’t allow for error. Every line must be fluid and accurate; mistakes cannot be remedied; a momentary loss of attention or control whilst slip trailing, combing, marking, is irretrievable. The palette is limited to black, amber, cream and green. Nick takes pleasure in mixing his own red earthenware clay, his formulas for slips and glazes, and in making his own tools. He enjoys creating pots that are both decorative and in everyday use, enhancing daily life.

All proceeds from sales, including Nick’s costs, are donated to NZ Forest and Bird Society.