About Us

Melissa & Dean have both had a longtime love of art, one of their first dates was wandering around art galleries in Auckland City. Melissa having studied art throughout school, & Dean having always been a talented creator, they met while studying Graphic Design in Auckland & have always worked together. After running a design agency for over 20 years, late 2018 saw their dream for a change of direction realised, & Turua Gallery was born. 

Turua Gallery is a relaxed space where everyone is welcome, whether you’re after a special piece for your home, bach, as a gift or maybe you’d like to just look around & enjoy the beautiful ever changing collection of work by emerging & celebrated New Zealand artists. It has been many years since a gallery has graced the village of St Heliers, & Turua Gallery is quickly becoming the place for locals to get their art fix. We host solo exhibitions, where you can enjoy opening night fun, as well as hosting group shows.

Melissa & Dean have lived in St Heliers for many years with their, now adult, daughters Ruby & Lucy, who many of you will have met when wine glasses have been topped up at opening nights! Dean has continued to paint, draw & create throughout his life & now regularly sells his pieces through the gallery. Melissa takes real joy in finding works that are special to the visitors in the gallery, often sourcing pieces directly from artists, taking work to people’s homes for them to view, & organising commissions.

If you find yourself in St Heliers, pop in, they’d love to see you.