As an artist herself, Debbie Morgan knows how important it is to support Kiwi businesses, artists and makers. The Whangaparāoa local owns Morart, famous for its collection of unique New Zealand artwork and gifts. Everything MorArt stocks is New Zealand-designed or made.

 “I’m passionate about New Zealand-made and helping local small businesses,” - Debbie

She began painting when her now-16-year-old son was a baby.

When she finished her first painting, a friend was so impressed with the work, she suggested Debbie sell it on TradeMe. “I got $45. I was over the moon,” - Debbie

 Three years after Whangaparāoa opened, a second Morart was set up in Milford. With product lines ranging from artwork, ceramics and garden art to jewellery, skincare, home décor, New Zealand-made possum/merino garments and most recently has introduced Coast Fudge which is made daily on site from the Whangaparaoa premises.

Debbie’s philosophy of supporting NZ-made has become even more important in recent years and when Covid-19 hit our shores.

  

 “Now, more than ever, people want the money they spend to stay in the community or country. Half our customers don’t want to look at products that come from overseas. “People like knowing that when they buy from the store, they are not only supporting me, they are supporting another small business or maker. They are always very interested in where abouts in New Zealand their purchase comes from.” - Debbie

  

 Debbie and her team also pride themselves on providing excellent customer service.

  

“It’s about having a great experience. People love coming in to look at the lovely things we have and over the years, we have gotten to know many of our customers personally so we can have a chat about what’s going on in their lives.” - Debbie

  

And when they do buy something, those loyal customers know they have done their bit to support New Zealand’s creative community.