Nau mai haere mai, welcome to Toi Tauranga Art Gallery, the Bay of Plenty’s preeminent visual arts destination. We celebrate and work with artists from across the globe to deliver exceptional art experiences that engage, educate, challenge and inspire.
Through meaningful encounters with art, comprehensive education programmes and vibrant events, we help people of all ages find deep connections with art, in many different ways.
Tangata Whenua
We respectfully acknowledge the indigenous communities of Tauranga Moana, Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui and Ngāti Pūkenga, whose enduring guardianship and deep cultural connection to this whenua continue to guide and inspire our communities.
Nau mai, haere mai ki Toi Tauranga Art Gallery. E mihi ana, e whakamānawa atu ana mātou i ngā iwi o Tauranga Moana, i a Ngāi Te Rangi, i a Ngāti Ranginui, i a Ngāti Pūkenga, nā tō rātou kaitiakitanga, nā tō rātou whakapaparanga ki tēnei whenua e whakaaweawe nei i ō mātou hāpori.
Te Papa ō Waka was once a thriving garden on the water’s edge, overlooking a harbour rich with kaimoana (seafood). Inspired by the special history of our location, the Gallery is rooted in ideas of sustenance and abundance – of nourishing our community and visitors to the Gallery through art and creativity.
Toi Tauranga Art Gallery has a rich architectural history. Once home to the region’s Bank of New Zealand (BNZ), which opened in 1873, the existing structure dates back to 1964 when it became Tauranga’s first air-conditioned building and a local icon of modernist architecture.
The BNZ sold the building to the Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (TAGT) in 1999 for $1.7m with funds from the former Tauranga District Council and the Venetta Miles Estate.From here, it was given new life as a public art gallery. Renovated by Mitchell & Stout Architects, it opened in 2007 and quickly gained national recognition for its bold design and ambitious exhibitions, including Jeff Thomson’s award-winning Corrugations in 2014.
In 2023, the Gallery closed for a major transformation including earthquake strengthening, interior refurbishment and a new entrance designed by Vajini Pannila of Warren and Mahoney Architects. The redevelopment was influenced by the work of local artist Maraea Timutimu (Ngāi Tūhoe, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāi Te Rangi), who provided inspiration on themes of layering, connection and composition.
Reopened in 2025, Toi Tauranga Art Gallery now anchors Tauranga city’s Te Manawataki o Te Papa cultural precinct alongside Baycourt Community and Arts Centre, and the future library, community hub and museum.
Led by Director Sonya Korohina, the Executive Team oversee and deliver the annual Statement of Intent set by the Board.
Business Services and Development Manager
Kaiwhakahaere Ratonga Pakihi me Whakawhanaketanga
The Gallery is governed by the Tauranga Art Gallery Trust (TAGT) which was formed in 1998 with the vision to establish a public art gallery to enhance the cultural life of the region. The TAGT owns the Gallery building and all assets, including the art collection.
Chair
Deputy Chair
Chair Finance, Audit and Risk Committee
Chair, Stakeholder Committee
Chair Human Resources Committee
Trustee
Trustee
Intern Trustee
Toi Tauranga Art Gallery is a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO). As of 1 July 2025, the Tauranga City Council supports the Gallery with an operational grant of about 73% of the operating budget.
The remainder is generated through support from Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the Ministry of Education, naming partnerships, grants, sponsorships, memberships, donations, retail and international visitor admissions.
The Tauranga Art Gallery Trust is a registered charity, number CC38535. Donations to the Trust by New Zealand tax residents are eligible for a tax credit as determined by current law. Local laws are applicable to donations from outside New Zealand.
To donate, please visit here.
Download Annual Statement of Intent
Download Annual Report and Audited Accounts for 1 July 2024–30 June 2025
