MGTO GALLERY: WHERE ART LIVES AND BREATHES

Photo Sophie van der Pol

Tucked beneath the old Anglican church in the heart of Maungaturoto lies a gem of Kaipara’s creative scene.

The golden-framed door, created by artist Rudy van der Pol, hints at what’s inside, a gallery that surprises from the moment you step in. MGTO Gallery isn’t just four walls, it’s a space with heart.

Run by a collective of passionate artists from the central Kaipara area, the gallery was originally imagined as a temporary summer pop-up. But when the group found a long-vacant space that felt full of potential, the idea grew into something more permanent and lasting.

The MGTO collective brings together artists with diverse creative backgrounds, including film, photography, painting, and sculpture. Their combined experience creates a rich, ever-evolving gallery that feels personal and engaging.

Shows change every six weeks, and each one brings more than just new work. The artists take time to consider how the gallery flows, how the mood is set, and how the experience can engage visitors in meaningful ways. The care behind it can be felt, the same people who create the art are the ones shaping how it’s seen.

The gallery’s third exhibition, After Dark, is currently showing until Sunday 10 August. Next up is Ties That Bind, opening on Friday 15 August, which explores how close relationships influence the creative process.

Looking ahead, the group plans to continue improving the space and inviting guest artists to join future shows, further expanding what MGTO can offer to the community and beyond.

For Kaipara locals or those just cruising through, MGTO Gallery is only five minutes off SH1, and well worth the detour. Open Friday through Sunday, 11am-4pm, or anytime by appointment.

www.MGTOGallery.co.nz | 136 Hurndall St East, Maungaturoto