Written by James Bell

PumpHouse Board Chair Peter Burn was surprised with an award of Life Membership of Friends of The PumpHouse at the theatre’s AGM on Wednesday night.

Arranged in secret by fellow Board members, Peter’s certificate was presented by Deputy Chair, Fiona McMillan.

Peter Burn and Fiona McMillan, with Peter’s new Life Membership

Fiona highlighted Peter’s years of service to The PumpHouse, joining the Board in 2011, and becoming chairperson in 2015. He has guided the theatre through two major construction projects and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier in the evening Peter celebrated the theatre’s first full year back in operation without Covid restrictions and the efforts of the 25 staff who work in various roles at the theatre. He also highlighted the funding challenges the theatre faces this year with reductions in operational support from Auckland Council, Foundation North, COGs, and Pub Charity.

Peter Burn talking at the AGM

Jeff Philp and Teresa Sokolich were both seconded to the Board for a 12-month period at the meeting. Both have hands-on experience in theatre at a grassroots level and add additional support as The PumpHouse embarks on an ambitious auditorium refurbishment project.

New PumpHouse Board members Teresa Sokolich (L) and Jeff Philp (R) with Board Chair, Peter Burn (middle)

The evening concluded with a presentation by The PumpHouse’s Community Engagement Coordinator Mags Delaney-Moffatt who spoke about her background and her role at The PumpHouse encouraging the community to explore the performing arts beyond simply attending a performance as an audience member.

AGM attendees