Auckland Live is delighted to announce the launch of new Accessibility Virtual Tours (AVT) to assist disabled and mobility-impaired concert goers at two of Auckland’s most iconic venues.

The Civic in downtown Auckland and Bruce Mason Centre in Takapuna can now be visited and explored online by audiences with accessibility needs wanting to become familiar with the spaces before stepping inside.

In December, the Auckland Town Hall became the first venue in New Zealand capable of being virtually navigated, after Auckland Live launched an AVT of the historic space. The tour, praised by Arts Access Aotearoa and the Human Rights Commission, offers wheelchair and mobility-impaired virtual pathways through the building’s concert halls and corridors, and navigational tools to assist with wayfinding at the click of a mouse.

Today Auckland Live has launched a further two AVTs – one of The Civic, a much-loved Category 1 Heritage NZ-listed building on the corner of Wellesley and Queen Streets in the Auckland CBD, and one of the Bruce Mason Centre – a Takapuna landmark on Auckland’s North Shore.

Like the Town Hall, the new tours include 3D images of the venues, colour-coded pathways for patrons depending on their levels of mobility, and step counts to key areas such as wheelchair seating, box offices, bathrooms and elevators.

In addition, plans for enhanced capabilities for visually impaired and hearing impaired patrons are in the pipeline.

Auckland Live acting director, Bernie Haldane, says feedback since the launch of the Town Hall tour last year has been overwhelming positive.

“Many have commented that having quality accessibility information available prior to a concert or event is a top priority for patrons, as well as the elderly and their caregivers.”

Ms Haldane says the AVTs highlight Auckland Live’s ongoing commitment to promote and support inclusiveness and access to arts for all.

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