Meet Our Team
Gallery Directors
Carlos Toalii
Kia orana,
My name is Carlos Toalii. I am a Co-Director of The Upstairs Art Gallery.
I am an artist, first and foremost. I have learnt skills to add to the journey but at my core I love the process of creating.
I started with The Upstairs Art Gallery as a volunteer 11 years ago. There was a lot to learn and with support and patience I was able to progress. I watched how people did things and tried to replicate. For that, I am thankful to my managers over the years that helped shape my work ethic.
I have lived experience with mental health. I only say this because I know how it can stifle growth.
My aim is to make The Upstairs Art Gallery a safe platform for artists to move into more advanced settings. I love the “grassroots” side of art and aspire to see people develop and succeed. There is nothing better than seeing an artist grow.
I am thankful for all the people I have met whilst at The Upstairs Art Gallery. I look forward to building on the foundations laid before me.
I look forward to seeing you in the gallery. Stop in for a chat and a cuppa.
Tatiana Harper
Hello everyone,
My name is Tatiana Harper and I’m a Co-Director of the Upstairs Art Gallery.
In my past working career, I was an accountant and business analyst. In 2014 I left the corporate world behind to pursue a career in photography. I have been taking photos all my life so wanted to turn my passion into a business.
I had the privilege of photographing the Lopdell Precinct grand opening in November 2014 and the same year my journey with The Upstairs Art Gallery started when I applied for the Emerging Artist Awards 2014.
Then I volunteered for the gallery minding the desk on the weekends and since 2016 I have been a sponsor, taking photos of the exhibition openings.
Please come in and say hello and have a cuppa and a chat!
Our Board Members
John Scott - Chair
John has been chairperson of the Titirangi Community Art Council since 2017.
As the chairperson, John’s role is to provide guidance and support to the Upstairs Galley Managers. To ensure the board functions effectively and for making sure that each meeting is conducted according to the TCAC constitution.
John currently is the director of an Organisational Development Consultancy and works with clients in Australasia for the development of their senior leaders and assists organisations to improve strategic alignment and create better outcomes for Stakeholders and Customers.
John’s background in the arts started in the UK at Newcastle Upon Tyne College of Art & Design in 1984. He then went on to study underwater photography at Plymouth College of Art and graduated with a higher national diploma in art and design.
Graeme Heap - Treasurer
Graeme is a chartered accountant with some 45 years of experience in the corporate world. Currently retired, Graeme has worked for Westfield Shopping Centres, Shell Oil, Fletcher Construction, and some smaller companies. He has dedicated many years to volunteering as Treasurer for several West Auckland charities and community groups, with his first love being Titirangi Theatre.
Graeme applies his skill in management accounting to manage the finances of the various charities he is involved with.
He is a Titirangi resident of 30 years and is married with 2 children and 6 grandchildren, all of who live nearby. He also likes motorbikes.
Dr Liz Manley - Secretary
Liz has recently joined the Titirangi Community Art Council and contributes a range of skills to the work of the group.
Liz is an elected member of the Waitakere Ranges Local Board. She is the Co-chair of Te Toka Tumai Consumer Experiences Council and sits on the Clinical Ethics Advisory Group for Auckland and Starship Hospitals. She was the principal of a local school for over a decade.
She has a diverse set of qualifications ranging from a PhD in Physiology to a Bachelor of Journalism, a Post Graduate Teaching Diploma and a certificate in Strategic Leadership. She graduated with a Masters in Creative Writing in 2022 and is in the process of completing the novel.
She and her family have lived in Titirangi for over twenty five years.