Keriblue shifts to old Country Corner site

A Keriblue kiln is loaded on to a truck as part of the move from Kerikeri Rd to the new location at Country Corner on SH10, Kerikeri. Photo / Peter de Graaf

Long-established ceramics company Keriblue is moving, from Kerikeri Rd to SH10, on the corner of Waimate North Rd.

The move takes Keriblue into the building which once was Country Corner, on State Highway 10.

Keriblue owner Caroline Moss says the company bought Country Corner in December and has been operating it as a pop-up shop. However, Keriblue closes on May 2 before shifting to the former Country Corner which will be converted into a working studio, display area and commercial kitchen, which is still to be built. The shop stacks the Get Fudged range which will be made on site.

The start of the shift began last week with moving the businesses' four large electric kilns to their new home.

Keriblue was established 26years ago.

Ms Moss was trained in handpainting ceramics from age 18 and had worked in the studio more than 20 years ago, when it was flourishing with a staff of nine. She had a deep affection for the operation.

Ms Moss bought the business in 2002, in partnership with her brother Michael.

"I was in my third year of an art degree and happened to call in, only to be told they were closing down.

"I didn't want to let it close and talked with Michael - he said he would buy it as long as I could make a profit, and we're still here."

Keriblue produces hand-painted ceramic homeware and accessories, including hand-painted functional tableware, vases, wall plaques and decorative tiles.