Venue Spotlight: Bruce Mason Centre

A Landmark with Creative Legacy 

Named after one of Aotearoa’s most celebrated playwrights, Bruce Mason, the Bruce Mason Centre is a North Shore icon where creativity, culture, and community come together. Mason grew up in Takapuna, the very place where this venue now honours his legacy. His original writing desk and typewriter are proudly displayed in the foyer, adding a unique touch of New Zealand history to every event. 

Officially opened in 1996, the Bruce Mason Centre has since become a cornerstone of performance and events on the North Shore. Its role in the arts, entertainment, and business events space was recognised when it won EVANZ Medium Venue of the Year in 2015, a testament to its versatility and visitor experience. 

A Tranquil Beachside Setting 

Just 15 minutes from Auckland’s city centre, often against the commuter flow, the Bruce Mason Centre gives event organisers the best of both worlds: close to the CBD yet surrounded by coastal calm. 

Set in the heart of Takapuna, the venue is a short walk from the beach, cafés, restaurants, accommodation, and boutique shops. This makes it ideal for conferences and full‑day events where guests can step outside for a mental reset, enjoy ocean views, or grab a bite between sessions. 

A Theatre That Transforms 

The heart of the Bruce Mason Centre is its impressive 1,100+ seat theatre, featuring state‑of‑the‑art audiovisual technology, comfortable tiered seating, and excellent sightlines from every seat. Ideal for graduations, award ceremonies, and performances, the theatre offers a striking and professional setting for your event. 

A key feature of the space is its ability to transform into a flat‑floor layout, creating an elegant dining environment for up to 400 seated guests or cocktail events for up to 820 people. This flexibility allows for themed gala dinners, awards nights, and immersive event experiences, complete with ample room for staging, entertainment, and décor. 

Adjoining foyers provide generous circulation areas perfectly suited to registration, networking, exhibitions, and pre‑ or post‑event functions: 

• Ruby Ormiston Foyer: A spacious area ideal for cocktail functions. 
• Canon Gallery: Centrally located and well‑positioned for guest flow. 

AIMES Awards 2022