A selection of important historical and contemporary New Zealand artworks are to be shown in a new exhibition, ‘From the Fletcher Collection'.

The exhibition opens on Friday in the Opus Gallery at Te Koputu a te Whanga a Toi - Whakatane Library and Exhibition Centre.

Alfred Sharp a peep at Coromandel from the Whangapoua bridle track in 1884. Photo: Supplied.

More than 30 paintings will be shown, including works by prominent artists Charles Blomfield, John Tole, Gordon Walters, Colin McCahon, Michael Smither and Bill Hammond.

Selected artworks have been drawn from The Fletcher Trust Collection, established in 1962 by Sir James Fletcher and usually housed at the Fletcher Building complex in Auckland.

This exhibition offers our region a rare opportunity to view a significant private collection, presenting local audiences with an insight into New Zealand's most important art movements.

Trust chairman Angus Fletcher, will attend the opening ceremony at Te Koputu, hosted by Whakatane Mayor Tony Bonne.

From the Fletcher Collection opens at 6 pm on Friday and will run until January 24, 2016.