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