Our History
Mairangi Arts Centre is housed in the old Mairangi War Memorial Hall built in 1953. It was built by local people from whatever materials they could acquire. Much of it came from the wharves, including the original Tawa floor, which is still used today.
From 1972, it was used for many years as the headquarters for the East Coast Bays Football club.
Mairangi Arts Centre (MAC) was initiated after a group of East Coast Bays residents saw the need for an arts centre in their area. After more than ten years of fundraising, the centre was opened in May 1991. Following an extensive refurbishment, it was transformed into a light and spacious environment, which has been maintained ever since.
Circa 1991
(left) Founding Member of MAC, Pat Hewson and (right) First MAC Chair, Pam Dalton
Today MAC is one of Auckland’s oldest and largest community art centres, employing over 25 tutors and servicing a diverse and growing membership from across the North Shore community.
Visit this link for further information and photos on our history.
OUR VALUES, MISSION, AND VISION
VALUES | NGĀ UARA
Community | Hapori
Guardianship | Kaitiakitanga
Leadership | Rangatiratanga
Respect | Whakaute
MISSION | KAUPAPA
Engaging and empowering our diverse communities through the arts.
VISION | WHAKAKITENGA
Nurture the continuous discovery of diverse and innovative art experiences.
