We believe the benefit from being taught a craft by someone who is skilled, educated and uses their talent within the community is second to none. All our tutors are involved in a number of different aspects within the music and performance industries. Bands, solo projects, recording and production experience enable them to bring a wealth of knowledge to their lessons. Focusing on technique, theory and live performance ensures that, with enough practice, students progress in leaps and bounds. Mauao Performing Arts Centre's mission is to provide a fun and educational experience that gets results and keeps students interested and keen to learn more. Students grow and work towards taking to the awesome TOTARA ST stage at one of our prestigious student concerts. One of the great benefits of learning with MauaoPAC is that students get to experience performing in a safe and supportive environment alongside other artists and on the same stage as international touring acts and some of New Zealand's best-known performers.
Founded in 2010, Mauao Performing Arts Centre is comprised of five teaching studios, a recording studio, waiting room, reception, commercial kitchen and a 420 capacity performance space named TOTARA ST. Since inception there have been many upgrades and adjustments made to provide the community with the best facilities possible. We provide one-on-one private tuition, group drama classes, a school holiday DJ Academy, special needs workshops and the MauaoPAC Contemporary Choir. With a raft of activity going on under one roof, MauaoPAC provides musicians, students and families with a creative hub. Taking into account the diverse variety of shows and events that occur in the TOTARA ST performance space, the Centre plays host to all walks of life within our amazing and talented community.
Coming Events
Hot Potato Band
Over the past 4 years, Hot Potato Band has seen an unprecedented evolution. Beginning their journey as roving street performers, the 10 piece band from Sydney, Australia have been twice around the the literal and figurative block. Like a muscle they have exercised their musicianship and showmanship which is the likely reason they leave lasting impressions on festivals and audiences.
Isaiah B Brunt Trio
"Isaiah has been compared to that of Delbert McClinton. His guitar work has been compared to Lonnie Mack. His compositions—especially “Lost Jacket Blues,” “Travel Back In Time” and “Party Late All Night”—are instant classics." The Aquarian New Jersey.
Runtingz
After a successful year in 2018, Runtingz is back! This time with special guest, Swiss.
Food Rescue Cooking Demonstration
Food waste contributes to one third of methane gases entering the atmosphere, and the majority of it is avoidable! Enjoy an informative afternoon learning how to create your own delicious meals with rescued food with Peter Blakeway and Good Neighbour Trust. Nibbles will be provided.
EmJay Productions presents, Opening Night Royale
Presenting some of the countries finest burlesque performers as well as Pole Artists, belly dancers, hula hoop dancers and plenty of fun and laughs. Prizes to be won for best dressed so put your glad rags on and come on down for this tantalizing taster of what incredible talent this country has to offer.
Strange Summer Tour
Stone Cold Records presents the ‘Strange Summer’ tour. Three of the most musically arousing summer nights in the Mayan calendar.
MauaoPAC Term 1 Student Concert
The illustrious end of term student concerts have grown into quite the spectacle over the years. From humble beginnings, the crowd is now 150 strong each show, and TOTARA ST comes alive with the hottest young talent the Bay of Plenty has on offer.
Hurricane Party: Swing into Soul
Two bands - double the dance grooves! Big Ticket are an 8-piece Auckland band playing popular songs with a vintage twist. They’re the only band that you'll hear playing a 40’s swing version of Someone Like You by Adele! They play pop and retro classics re-imagined modern juke-box style - great for swing dancing or just a good old boogie!
Mount Record Fair
Records, lots of them, a bunch of good people with good stuff, sharing, trading and having fun in a great place.
The Upbeats
Celebro & The Drum & Bass Massive present: The Upbeats! The Upbeats are bringing their tour to Tauranga to perform at Totara St! Get your tickets fast as this will be a sell out! Local support from: Hooky, Freecell, Enkrypta & Brutus Powers
Slipknot & Marilyn Manson tribute
Two tributes to your favourite bands, both in one night @ totara street in Mt Maunganui. The last gig completely sold out so get your tickets quick!
Totara Latina 2
Don't miss an unforgettable party like the first Totara Latina! Del Pacifico will blow you away with their renditions of classic and modern Latin songs from Cuba, Brazil, Argetina and more.
Jordan Luck
Following a Sold Out Winter Tour in 2018, Kiwi icon's The Jordan Luck Band announce the 19 date New Zealand Winter(ish)Tour of 2019, trekking all across the country from Saturday April 27th to June 22nd.
Salmonella Dub Soundystem
With guests Laughton Kora and Mant, Alongside the new album EP bundle, expect a sonic mashup of Salmonella Dub full back catalogue tune~age including album tracks & remixes delivered live, with Andrew aka Dj Rudeboy mashing the mix live + the Sal Dub horn section & Mighty Asterix on the mic AND guests.
Join the MauaoPAC family. Get the low down on lessons, shows, specials and giveaways!
Latest News
The School Holiday DJ Academy
So you wanna be a DJ? These school holidays the records will be spinning and the bass bumping at the Mauao Performing Arts Centre, 11 Totara street, Mt Maunganui. The Aotearoa DJ Academy is introducing their popular Digital DJ 101 program from the capital city as a holiday program for all children aged 9 and above.
Marketing and Promoting Your Music
NZ MUSIC MANAGERS FORUM ANNOUNCE NEW SEMINARS IN WAIKATO AND BAY OF PLENTY. Following the outstanding success of the ‘Make Money From Your Music’ seminars the NZ Music Managers Forum, with thanks to NZ On Air and the Creative Communities Scheme in Hamilton and Tauranga, are returning to Waikato and Bay of Plenty with the essential Stage Two seminar ‘Marketing and Promoting Your Music’.
