The country's only ceramics museum is closing to the public due a funding crunch.
The Quartz Museum in Whanganui was founded by ceramicist Rick Rudd a decade ago, and holds over 4000 works from ceramic artists around the country.
Rudd , who is 76, says he cannot continue working six days a week to keep the museum open.
He has sought funding from the local council and Lotteries NZ for two part time workers to support him, but was unsuccessful.
Rudd says he has reluctantly decided to close the Quartz Museum to the public, and will only be open by appointment.
