- Our Story
Supporting Woodturners in Christchurch Since 1996
Christchurch Woodturners Association was established in 1996 to foster, encourage and educate people in the art and craft of woodturning.
Our first Annual General Meeting was held on 7 March 1996 at the College of Education Lecture Theatre, where the first committee was elected and the foundations of the club were put in place. From those early beginnings, the association has grown into a welcoming community for people of all skill levels who share an interest in working with wood.
In 2026, Christchurch Woodturners Association proudly celebrates 30 years of learning, sharing, creating and supporting woodturning in Christchurch and the surrounding districts.
Today, the association is a registered charity and not-for-profit organisation, continuing to bring people together through the craft of woodturning.
A Club Built On Learning And Sharing
From the beginning, the association has been shaped by members who are generous with their time, knowledge and experience.
Our club activities are centred around learning, creativity and community. Members can attend regular meetings, take part in demonstrations and workshops, access club facilities, join interest groups and continue developing their skills through practical tuition.
Since 2007, the club has also offered Certificate in Woodturning classes for members, giving woodturners the opportunity to follow a structured learning pathway and gain a recognised qualification.
A Proud Part Of The Woodturning Community...
Over the years, Christchurch Woodturners Association has been involved in a wide range of woodturning events across the South Island and beyond.
The club has hosted major gatherings, including the South Pacific Symposium at Living Springs in 2000 and another symposium at Blue Skies, Kaiapoi in 2005, welcoming demonstrators from New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii and the United States.
The association has also taken part in many hands-on and community events, helping members connect with other turners, share ideas and enjoy the wider world of woodcraft.
... And The National Association of Woodworkers NZ
The National Association of Woodworkers NZ Incorporated (NAW) brings together both amateur and professional people from all over New Zealand who are skilled in working with wood.
NAW provide support to its many member clubs many of which we interact with on a regular basis, and they oversee the woodturner training programme, the National Certificate in Woodturning.
Celebrating Our History
In 2016, the club celebrated its first 20 years. To mark the occasion, member John Nimmo produced a booklet, Christchurch Woodturners – The First 20 Years, which was launched during the 20-year celebration weekend.
The association has also recognised the contribution of long-serving members, including founding member Bruce Irvine, who was made a Life Member in 2017 after many years of service to the club and committee, and Noel Graham, made a Life Member in 2023, who has spent many years tutoring and supporting members, managing the workshop, and serving in various roles on the committee.
Looking Ahead
While we are proud of our history, Christchurch Woodturners Association continues to look forward.
Our purpose remains simple: to create a welcoming, supportive place where people can learn woodturning, develop practical skills, share ideas and enjoy the satisfaction of creating something by hand.
Whether you are new to the craft or have been turning for years, you are welcome to be part of the association’s next chapter.
