Media Release: 15 December, 2015

Bruce Mason Centre wins national award

Auckland’s Bruce Mason Centre has won a top national award for Medium Venue of the Year at the recent EVANZ (Entertainment Venues Association NZ) awards. The prestigious industry awards celebrate excellence in the New Zealand entertainment industry.

The Bruce Mason Centre, located in Takapuna, took the award ahead of the Isaac Theatre Royal in Christchurch and Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua.

Regional Facilities Auckland (RFA) Chief Executive Chris Brooks says that the win is a great way to wrap up a very successful year for the Regional Facilities team.

“I am very proud of what we have achieved in 2015. RFA took over the management of the Bruce Mason Centre 18 months ago, and in that time we have made some significant changes to ensure it is North Shore’s premier entertainment and conference venue.

“The focus has been on improvements to the venue that enhance the theatre experience, upgrading the conference facilities and broadening the range of shows and events. In doing so, we have increased the number of visitors through the doors and importantly, attracted growing numbers of Aucklanders from across the bridge. This has delivered real economic dividends for local restaurants and bars with theatre-goers enjoying a pre-show dinner or post-show drink.

“We’ve also provided the community with an exciting programme of low-cost events such as the Morning Melodies concert series aimed at pensioners, school holiday programming for children, and free family concerts by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra,” he says.

The Bruce Mason Centre is managed by Auckland Live, the performing arts business of RFA. The venue’s conference and functions business is run by RFA’s conventions arm, Auckland Conventions.

The improvements include:

Expanded programming including performances by nationally significant companies such as the Royal New Zealand Ballet, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, Auckland Arts Festival,
NZ International Comedy Festival, live music concerts, international shows such as the Band of Magicians, and conferences

Introducing Auckland Live’s hugely popular free Pick & Mix series for families which drew more than 7000 people over a 12-week period

Major refurbishment of the two foyers and conference facilities with new carpet, paint, signage, box office and furniture

New air conditioning system to provide increased comfort for patrons, performers and conference delegates

Increasing the technical capabilities of the venue.

Ends

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