About Us

Our History

Mairangi Arts Centre (MAC) was initiated after a group of East Coast Bays residents saw the need for an arts centre in their area, and after more than ten years of fundraising the centre was opened in May 1991.

The centre is housed in the old Mairangi War Memorial Hall (1953) which, among other things, was used for many years as the headquaters for a local soccer club. Following an extensive refurbishment it was transformed into a light and spacious environment which has been maintained ever since.

Recently in 2010 significant capital investment has resulted in a new kitchen, upgraded storage areas, repainting of the main galleries, new gallery partitions and lighting, and a new IT system.

Today MAC is one of Auckland’s largest community art centres employing over 25 tutors and servicing a diverse and growing membership from across the local North Shore community.

Centre Management

We employ a small management team who are dedicated to the day to day running of the centre. This includes co-ordinating our education programme and exhibitions, facilities management, advertising and promotions, funding applications and memberships, and generally keeping the centre running smoothly 6 days a week!

The team is:
  • Ellie Drummond – Centre Manager
  • Christine Currey – Operations and Administration
  • Cath O’Brien – Reception and Administration

In addition our great team of volunteers are also a vital and integral part of the arts centre. Volunteers contribute enormously by assisting with exhibitions, staffing the Reception, participating in working bees, administration and so much more.

If you would like to enquire about becoming a MAC volunteer please contact us.

Board Members

The Mairangi Arts Centre is a charitable trust which is administered by a Trust Board containing nine members.

Board members serve on a three year, voluntary basis and are responsible for achieving the centre’s long term vision and strategic objectives, and for ensuring that MAC continues to serve the needs of the local art community.

With a wide range of artistic, managerial, administrative and strategic skills, the Board are united by a common vision:

A strong community based visual arts education centre supporting and encouraging local communities connected to Auckland’s North Shore to experience and enjoy a diverse range of visual arts practices, exhibitions and education programmes.

Chairperson

The current Chairperson of Mairangi Arts Centre is:

Maurice Ellett BSc., BCom, MBS, J.P.
Maurice Ellett is a long time resident of the North Shore. He has served as board member and Chair of Enterprise North Shore Trust. He holds degrees in Social Science, Management Science, Strategic Management and Governance. He is also Managing Director of long standing executive recruitment company Signium Executive Search International Inc.

Maurice and his wife have a strong interest in art and Maurice is interested in finding more time to engage in painting.

Tutors

Mairangi Arts Centre employs professional tutors to teach adult classes, children's classes and school holiday programmes.

Our tutors are carefully selected for their ability to impart their knowledge to students of all levels, from complete beginners through to those with advanced skills. Most tutors are also currently practising artists. Each tutor profile will provide information on the tutor's background as well as a brief summary of his/her teaching philosophy. Click on a tutor's name to view Tutor Profile:

Our Vision

Mairangi Arts Centre is a strong, community based visual arts education centre supporting and encouraging local/regional and culturally diverse communities to experience and enjoy a diverse range of visual arts practices, exhibitions and education programmes.

Our Purpose

To provide a supportive, nurturing and encouraging environment at Mairangi Arts Centre that fosters community access to and participation in the visual arts by offering a strong and purposeful education and exhibition programme that meets the learning and presentation needs of the community.