Chris was born in Te Awamutu in the North Island of New Zealand in 1956. He graduated from Otago Polytechnic in Dunedin with a Diploma of Fine and Applied Arts, with Distinction in Design and Sculpture. After attaining his Certificate in Ceramics the following year, he began to pot in his own studio at Hokitika. Chris specialises in domestic ware and is known for his boat-shaped teapots and serving dishes. He has won various major awards in New Zealand and has had his work selected for international Ceramic Award Exhibitions.