Bruce Mason Centre — Attraction in Devonport-Takapuna

The venue was absolutely beautiful, and the overall service provided by the staff was commendable. However, our experience was unfortunately overshadowed by a brief but unpleasant encounter with one staff member, which dampened our enthusiasm for the event we had come to enjoy.

On 24 October 2025, Mr. Rakesh, the on duty manager for the evening, addressed us in a manner that came across as disrespectful and unnecessarily rude when asking us to step out of the main auditorium, citing a health and safety concern. While we completely understand and respect health and safety protocols, the issue lay in the tone and approach used—it was neither courteous nor professional.

We were in our performance costumes at the time, and were not causing any disruption or violating any rules. Nevertheless, the exchange left us feeling disheartened, especially as performers who have been part of similar events for the past three years. Many of us are working professionals who value mutual respect and professionalism, and this incident stood out as a disappointing exception.

Although Mr. Rakesh later apologised, suggesting there had been a misunderstanding, the fact that several of us perceived the same behaviour indicates that it wasn’t merely a matter of misinterpretation.

We sincerely hope this feedback is taken constructively and serves as an opportunity for improvement, ensuring that all guests and performers are treated with the respect and courtesy they deserve in...

I am writing to express my disappointment regarding an experience at a recent children's play. While the venue is amazing and the production of Annie was brilliantly executed, ( despite the fact it was stopped by the fire alarm and evacuation) the experience was unfortunately spoiled by the behaviour of a few audience members.

During the two-hour show, four women seated next to us constantly talked and drank wine, which they were refilling continuously during the show at the bar. My 11-year-old daughter, who was sitting next to them, had difficulty watching the show due to the talking and felt very uncomfortable because of the strong smell of wine. The situation worsened at the end of the show when, as they hurried out, they stumbled and spilled wine all over my daughter's and my pants.

What was intended to be a lovely experience and a celebration of our friend's talent turned out to be very disappointing event. I urge you to reconsider serving alcohol at children's performances to prevent similar incidents from spoiling the experience for other families, or at least learn to recognise that your patrons are crossing the line of...

It's only a great venue if you got good seating. I think there should be some advice/warning about seating for little kids. Perhaps recommend the most ideal seats when you purchase kids tickets. Some have never been to this theater and the map is not good enough to perceive how close you are to the stage. There were some poor kids in the front rows that I know couldn't get a good view because of the adults in front of them. One parent was even encouraging the child to sit on their knees. The booster cushions were not helpful. And for me, instead of watching Matilda, I ended up imagining the guy in front of me having no head. In the midst of my frustration, I was even thinking how selfish he was and all those other adults for taking all the front flat rows though I know they didn't do anything wrong. If you're taking kids, the best rows are from rows D-I. From C or D, thats where tiered seating starts. Keep in mind they have a silly row called DD which is the third row front the front. Avoid this row because if someone is taller than you, it's such a wasted,...