A visual feast of contemporary, coastal and quirky artwork — where discovering art is just as fun as taking it home.
One of the things that makes The Little Gallery truly special is the opportunity to meet the artists behind the work. We work alongside several talented local artists who generously volunteer their time in the gallery, often creating as they chat with visitors.
Welcome to The Little Gallery, one of the Coromandel’s most loved contemporary art gallery experiences, showcasing an eclectic collection of original New Zealand artwork in both Tairua and Whangamatā. Since opening our first gallery in 2013, we’ve become known for vibrant, ever-changing spaces filled with artwork that surprises, inspires and sparks conversation — from contemporary paintings and sculpture to ceramics, weaving, prints and beautifully unexpected pieces.
Whether it's watching a new piece come to life, hearing the inspiration behind an artwork, or simply sharing in their creative process, these authentic connections are all part of The Little Gallery experience. Scroll down to meet our team ...
The Little Gallery Whangamatā
The Little Gallery Whangamatā is built on a wonderful local legacy. Originally opened in Whangamatā in 2003 by Deborah Foresman as Harrisons, the business combined an art gallery with picture framing services and became a much-loved part of the community. Following several changes in ownership over the years, the gallery was rebranded as The Little Gallery in 2017 when the owners of the Tairua gallery took over the Whangamata space.
Faye Saunders took the reins in 2021, bringing her passion for New Zealand art, genuine love of people, and commitment to ensuring every visitor experiences a little of The Little Gallery magic. Today, the gallery continues to celebrate creativity while helping clients find artworks they will treasure for years to come.
The Little Gallery Tairua
Established in 2013, the first 'Little Gallery', our Tairua gallery is full of charm, creativity and personality. Nestled beside the ever-popular Manaia Cafe & Bar, visitors can enjoy a coffee or bite to eat before wandering through the interconnecting door straight into the gallery. With its relaxed character-home feel, colourful rooms and sculpture-filled garden, the Tairua gallery invites you to slow down, explore and discover art around every corner. Our outdoor spaces feature an ever-changing collection of striking sculptures that make the experience just as memorable outside as it is indoors.
This photograph captures one of the many reasons we love being part of the Tairua community. A group of local Tairua School students visited The Little Gallery to discover what happens behind the scenes in a working gallery – from learning about prints and framing to understanding the significance of those exciting little red dots. Their journey culminated in a very special exhibition, with their artwork proudly displayed in the gallery and featured on our website for sale. The excitement on their faces and the pride they felt seeing themselves as 'real artists' was something none of us will forget. It was a truly special project and one that perfectly reflects what The Little Gallery is all about – nurturing creativity, building confidence and sharing the magic of art with people of all ages.
Meet The Little Gallery Team
Faye Saunders - The Boss Lady and Curator of Cool Artwork!
The Little Gallery is owned by Faye Saunders, who quite literally bought herself a job so she and her husband Craig could make the move to beautiful Whangamatā — and it turns out she absolutely loves what she does. With a passion for art, people and creating memorable experiences, Faye has built galleries that feel welcoming, vibrant and full of personality. Her energy is infectious, her enthusiasm hard to ignore, and she genuinely loves helping clients discover artwork that speaks to them. Known for having fun with visitors and curating an eclectic mix of contemporary, coastal and quirky pieces, Faye has created gallery spaces that are as much about the experience as the artwork itself.
Stephen Parsons — The Boss Lady's PA (apparently)
Stephen Parsons has quite literally changed Faye’s world. Originally a client of The Little Gallery, Stephen loved the galleries so much that when he moved to Tairua, he wandered in one day and asked Faye for a job — and thankfully for everyone involved, she said yes.
Self-appointed as Faye’s “PA”, Stephen is the man behind much of the gallery’s website magic, helping bring The Little Gallery’s personality to life online while somehow also keeping the Boss Lady organised. With an incredible knowledge of art, a sharp eye for detail and a healthy willingness to critique Faye’s latest curating decisions, Stephen has become an essential part of the gallery team.
When he’s not tweaking the website or talking art with clients, you’ll likely find him transforming the gallery gardens into works of art themselves. Equal parts creative assistant, tech support, art enthusiast and landscape wizard, Stephen brings humour, talent and calm to the beautiful chaos that is The Little Gallery. And he's not a fan of having his photo taken so this is all you get!
Deborah Forsman (Dee) – Art Matchmaker
If you’ve visited our Whangamata gallery, chances are you’ve met Dee — and remembered her.
Dee first opened this gallery back in the day when it was known as Harrisons, so you could say art galleries are part of her DNA. After selling the business and heading off on a few different adventures, Dee eventually found her way back home to Whiritoa… and thankfully back to us too.
Now Faye’s right-hand lady in the Whangamata gallery, Dee brings energy, laughter, incredible art knowledge and a genuine love of people to every day. She has a natural gift for connecting clients with artwork they truly love — and yes, she could probably sell ice to Eskimos.
Whether she’s helping someone choose their very first piece or catching up with long-time collectors, Dee makes everyone feel welcome the moment they walk through the door.
Meet our team of Artists who volunteer ...
Bernie Ross – Fibre Artist & Whangamata Gallery Host
If you visit The Little Gallery in Whangamatā on a Monday, you'll likely be welcomed by Bernie Ross. A talented mixed flax and fibre artist, Bernie brings creativity, warmth and a genuine love of connecting with visitors to the gallery.
Born into a farming community in South Auckland and now based in Whangamatā, Bernie draws inspiration from the ever-changing landscapes of the Coromandel. The whenua (land) is central to her weaving practice, reflecting her deep appreciation for the environment and sense of place.
Bernie completed her degree in Te Maunga Kura Toi in 2013, following three years of study under Bibbins Tangitu in Tauranga Moana. Through both her artwork and her role in the gallery, Bernie shares her passion for creativity, community and the stories woven through each piece she creates.
Mardi O’Shea – Glamour, Grammar & Artful Eyes
If elegance had a front desk, Mardi would be sitting behind it.
Known around Whangamata for her impeccable style, quick wit and unmistakable charm, Mardi brings warmth, laughter and plenty of sparkle to The Little Gallery. A talented artist and collector herself, she has a wonderful eye for art, an exceptional attention to detail and is a natural when it comes to curating the gallery spaces. She loves helping clients discover pieces that truly speak to them.
When she’s not volunteering in the gallery, you’ll likely find Mardi centre stage in a local production, where her theatrical flair and natural humour shine through unforgettable characters — including the legendary Mrs Slocombe.
Mardi also proudly holds the very important position of gallery proofreader. Spelling matters deeply to Mardi, and not much escapes her sharp eye… so if there’s a typo somewhere, chances are she’s already spotted it.
Jean McCann – Artist & Tairua Gallery Host
A well-known Tairua identity, Jean McCann brings a wealth of artistic experience and a warm, welcoming presence to The Little Gallery in Tairua. Having exhibited in South Africa before moving to New Zealand in 1997, Jean has remained actively involved in the arts through exhibition groups and art societies across the country, and today she is a valued member of the local Tairua Art Group.
While Jean enjoys working across a variety of mediums, watercolour remains her true passion. Whether painting en plein air or creating expressive works back in the studio, she is inspired by colour, light and the beauty of the landscapes around her. The seascapes and ever-changing moods of the Coromandel feature strongly in her work, alongside abstract landscapes created in acrylic and mixed media.
Jean loves sharing her passion for art with gallery visitors and is always happy to chat about the creative process, local life and the artists who make The Little Gallery so special.
Jennifer Panther – Artist & Tairua Gallery Host
Based in the beautiful coastal town of Tairua, Jennifer Panther is a contemporary New Zealand artist whose work is inspired by the ocean, coastal life, and the unique character of New Zealand's seaside communities. Working predominantly in acrylic on canvas, she also enjoys exploring watercolour and oils as part of her evolving creative practice.
Coming from a family of artists, creativity has always been woven into Jennifer's life. She is particularly drawn to painting the sea and boats — especially weathered vessels with stories to tell — capturing each subject with warmth, realism and an eye for fine detail. Her collection of original works includes seascapes, wharfs, florals and landscapes inspired by the ever-changing beauty of the Coromandel.
Jennifer loves sharing her passion for art with visitors to The Little Gallery and celebrating the relaxed coastal lifestyle that inspires her work every day.
Kate Hill – Artist & Tairua Gallery Host
Originally from London and now based in Hamilton, Kate Hill has long been inspired by the Coromandel, where she spends time at her Tairua bach and studio overlooking Tairua Harbour and the Alderman Islands. Visitors to The Little Gallery in Tairua may also recognise Kate as one of our friendly volunteer gallery hosts.
Kate's artistic practice spans printmaking, fibre, stitch and mixed media, reflecting a lifelong passion for exploring texture, pattern and process. Since moving to New Zealand in the early 1980s, her work has been selected for numerous exhibitions and awards and is represented in galleries throughout the Waikato and Coromandel.
While printmaking remains her first love, Kate also creates wearable art jewellery and beautifully hand-printed silk scarves featuring her own original designs. Her work is thoughtful, tactile and continually evolving, inspired by both the natural environment and a spirit of creative discovery.
Michael Harrison – Artist & Tairua Gallery Host
A familiar and much-loved face in Tairua, Michael Harrison brings warmth, enthusiasm and a wealth of local knowledge to The Little Gallery. Since retiring and settling permanently in Tairua, Michael has become an active member of both the Tairua and Hikuai Art Groups, embracing the opportunity to further develop his artistic practice alongside fellow creatives.
Initially working in watercolour, Michael now favours acrylics and alcohol inks, creating vibrant abstract works that explore colour, texture and form. Experimental by nature, he enjoys pushing creative boundaries and using a variety of techniques and tools to achieve the intricate detail found in his distinctive alcohol ink paintings.
Whether sharing stories with visitors or helping them discover a new favourite artist, Michael's friendly nature and passion for creativity make him a valued member of The Little Gallery team.
Sue Foster – Artist & Tairua Gallery Host
Originally from England and now proudly calling Tairua home, Sue Foster is a valued volunteer at The Little Gallery and a passionate painter inspired by the beauty of New Zealand. Working predominantly in acrylic on canvas, Sue creates artworks that celebrate the familiar and iconic elements of Aotearoa, with a particular love for our native flora and fauna.
Having grown up surrounded by creativity and artistic pursuits, Sue has nurtured her own artistic journey from an early age. After moving to New Zealand in the late 1990s, she found endless inspiration in the country's distinctive light, vibrant colours and diverse landscapes. Autumn remains her favourite season, with its rich, earthy tones often reflected in her work.
Since retiring to Tairua in 2021, Sue has enjoyed spending more time in her home studio, continuing to explore her creativity and sharing her love of art with visitors to The Little Gallery.
Susan Dunster – Artist & Tairua Gallery Host
Susan Dunster is a featured artist at The Little Gallery and a familiar face to many of our Tairua visitors. Her expressive paintings weave together vibrant colour, shape and texture in a fluid, abstract style, seeking to capture the emotional and spiritual essence that lies beneath the surface of everyday life.
Originally from Howick, Susan has travelled extensively and undertaken art training in both London and Melbourne. Her exhibition history spans more than three decades, with works held in private collections throughout New Zealand and overseas.
"I have been painting most of my life and over time my artistic interests and preoccupations have evolved from representational to abstract. However my overriding passion has been my love of colour, especially the effects colours have on each other. It is these effects and the emotional impact of colour which occupy me the most. I hope I can convey this passion to others in with my work.
I have also taken up printmaking and find this adds another dimension and discipline with more emphasis on form and composition than colour. Hence I find painting and printmaking complement each other."
Susan's creativity, insight and warm presence make her a valued part of The Little Gallery team.