Every week in RNZ Culture 101's Regional Wrap we find out about the arts scene in a place beyond our city centres. This week it's a suburb that developed its own sense of identity before travel was made easier by a harbour bridge.
It's Takapuna on the North Shore of Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. Known for its beach and beachside culture, it also boasts a distinctive volcanic lake Lake Taupo. It was here in the late 1960s the North Shore Theatre and Arts Trust renovated an old brick pumping station to become the busy Pumphouse Theatre. It was joined by the larger Bruce Mason Theatre near the beach in 2015.
Just up the road from the Pumphouse, the Lake House Arts Centre is celebrating its 25th anniversary in another historic house. It's billed as community of hundreds of artists and members participating in exhibitions and events, including classes and holiday programmes accessed by thousands.
It was originally an Edwardian boarding house situated between the lake and beach, before being shifted and restored to Fred Thomas Drive on Barry's Point,
We welcome to Culture 101 Lake House Arts Centre operations manager Grae Burton.
