The Department of Curiosities and Fine Things

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The Department of Curiosities and Fine Things Gifts made with aroha and the human touch. Imagine you work for a big organisation. In an office. But nothing ever happens. or . . . Welcome.

The Department of Curiosities and Fine Things is a curated collection of some of Aotearoa's finest makers and creators - it is where hand-made is celebrated and the imagination is set free. You have a desk and a chair and everyday you turn up and sit, and wait. You begin to suspect that the department has been here so long that the Organisation has forgotten it exists. After a while you get bored just sitting and being an imaginative soul you decide to do something to fill in your time. A painting perhaps (the walls do look a bit bare), or some sewing (a cushion would help the sitting), or some cheery bunting, or you could make some jewellery or a cheeseboard or . . . To The Department of Curiosities and Fine Things. Where innovation is celebrated and the imagination set free. You can apply for a space here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/11Uhlz1qlTjCmJypQaFn0dog9lvycuM_-51GJy0qXt2M/viewform

We also have available weekly showcase/mini exhibition space. If your interested you can find it over here https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1ACUda69nnI3IKfAr-0LPIlMCjvObZPB6Bas41PTvSpU/viewform

01/10/2026
Just unpacking some fresh knitting from Elaine's Knitting Nook and was pleasantly surprised by the treats. I will try an...
24/08/2026

Just unpacking some fresh knitting from Elaine's Knitting Nook and was pleasantly surprised by the treats. I will try and leave some for the rest of the team but no promises. We love getting bribes, I mean treats, from our makers. It makes us smile.

Come in and check out the hand-made creations we have in store. Real products, made by real people, made with real aroha.

In our showcase we have the restoration work of "Dead to Reveal". Mel and Bronson take solid wood furniture and give it ...
18/08/2026

In our showcase we have the restoration work of "Dead to Reveal". Mel and Bronson take solid wood furniture and give it a new lease of life. Closing the loop and practicing waste reduction by bringing out the beauty of pre-loved furniture.

We are open late tonight and we got stuff that will help you stay warm. Come on in, the water's fine.
07/08/2026

We are open late tonight and we got stuff that will help you stay warm. Come on in, the water's fine.

Jane Gibbon's bumblebees are the buzz in the shop this week. They fly out the door as soon as they are restocked along w...
04/08/2026

Jane Gibbon's bumblebees are the buzz in the shop this week. They fly out the door as soon as they are restocked along with her other original artworks. šŸ

The creative collage work of The Paper Priestess caught my eye today. Some people get collagen injections, I reckon you ...
27/07/2026

The creative collage work of The Paper Priestess caught my eye today. Some people get collagen injections, I reckon you need a collage injection to lift your world.

Monsters and Bears in a Box are back in stock. These cuties come with their own hand made blankets and pillows. All read...
27/07/2026

Monsters and Bears in a Box are back in stock. These cuties come with their own hand made blankets and pillows. All ready for a sleepover. Pick your favourite in store and adopt straight away.

To celebrate the month of Matariki, in our window we have the skilled work of flax weaver, Troy Gardiner. His creations ...
21/07/2026

To celebrate the month of Matariki, in our window we have the skilled work of flax weaver, Troy Gardiner. His creations will be on display till the end of the month so make sure you come and take a look before then.

"Whiria te tāngata" To celebrate Te Wiki o Matariki we are pleased to have the work of Weaver and Educator, Troy Gardine...
07/07/2026

"Whiria te tāngata"

To celebrate Te Wiki o Matariki we are pleased to have the work of Weaver and Educator, Troy Gardiner in our window. Come in and see these in person to appreciate the skill of the raranga.

Currently in our showcase we have the work of Diana and Bruce Glasgow. A burst of colour to brighten up the winter days.
07/07/2026

Currently in our showcase we have the work of Diana and Bruce Glasgow. A burst of colour to brighten up the winter days.

Address

14 Hastings Street
Napier
4110

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday 10am - 4pm
Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+64224282262

Website

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