The name Twin Island Gallery refers to its location on the harbour’s edge, overlooking both Makaro/Ward Island and Matiu/Somes Island, while also acknowledging its connection to Aotearoa New Zealand as an island nation.

Born in England in 1971, Niki is the daughter of internationally recognised New Zealand industrial designer Mark Pennington and visual artist Suzy Pennington. She studied Visual Communication at Wellington Polytechnic School of Design before beginning her career in Wellington. After completed an MFA at the Schule für Gestaltung Basel, Switzerland, she worked in branding, innovation, and design in London before joining the Arnell Group in New York.

Returning to New Zealand in 2006, she co-founded the award winning design consultancy The Penningtons with her brother, Michael.

Establishing the gallery in 2020, Niki Pennington has painted full-time from the combined studio and gallery space. Fulfilling a life long dream of combining both her passions.

A mother of three school-aged children, Niki is married to Andrew Cathie, a third-generation Eastbourner.

“I couldn’t imagine a more inspiring place to live, create, and raise a family than here on the shores of Eastbourne, within this wonderful community,” says Niki.