[Citta] Kina. Concrete research.
Update on the past week.
This week, I informed Haydn that, through research, I had decided to explore Kina shells further. I had started my physical exploration with kina, focusing on practising material storytelling, with exploring its connection with ceramic glaze. The glazed samples had not yet come out of the kiln, so I discussed my process through images with Haydn. I received positive feedback on this, saying I had found an interesting connection.
Figure 1. Ceramic glaze samples before firing [Photograph]. Note. Photographed by author
Concrete.
This week, he introduced me to concrete as a material. He described an interesting relationship between concrete and product design, which is still largely unexplored. I was recommended to research into aggregates and potentially replace them with Kina shells.
Suggested contexts to research into:
Matan Fadida: Their practice focuses on making everyday objects from irregular materials and forms. Concrete being one.
GRC New Zealand: They are manufacturers of bespoke glassfibre-reinforced concrete. Working on a large scale, from plant pots to large buildings.
Ngā Kina sculptures: Large Kina sculptures by artist Michel Tuffery in Wellington’s waterfront. These are also made of fibre-glass reinforced concrete.
Manufacturing methods.
I was also encouraged to think about the type of making in relation to my target audience and Citta’s product line. This is because there is a whole scale from more crafts and one-off products to mass-manufactured methods; I should start to think about where my design will fit. Even within ceramics, there are different production methods, such as stoneware and earthenware, which differ in the contexts in which they are appropriate.
KiwiKrete.
This conversation led to the potential reason why Nikolai was interested in Kina in the first place. Haydn explained that at the end of last year, Citta were approached by a group called KiwiKrete, which was exploring Kina as a potential aggregate for concrete. But unfortunately, as they were no longer continuing with the project, this opportunity was suggested to me.
This meeting was very insightful. I have never worked with concrete before, so it made me eager to learn more and start testing straight away.
Reference list.
Concrete NZ. (2025, June 11). 2025 Concrete Construction Awards<br>Category Winners—Concrete New Zealand. https://concretenz.org.nz/news/703588/2025-Concrete-Construction-AwardsbrCategory-Winners.htm
GRC New Zealand. (n.d.). GRC New Zealand. GRC New Zealand. Retrieved May 30, 2026, from https://grcnz.co.nz
Matan Fadida. (n.d.). Matan Fadida | Store. Matan Fadida. Retrieved May 30, 2026, from https://www.matanfadida.com/store
Wellington Sculpture Trust. (2012). Wellington Sculpture Trust | The Sculptures. https://www.sculpture.org.nz/the-sculptures/nga-kina
