The University of Auckland has opened its new 26,000-square-metre state-of-the-art home for sport, recreation and student life – the Hiwa Recreation Centre. Located in the heart of the student precinct, it serves as both a wellness destination and a social hub for the University community.
The eight-floor centre features New Zealand’s largest gym fit-out, cardio zones, rooftop turf and running track, two sports halls, an aquatics hall, squash courts and a bouldering wall – offering something for everyone.
The original facility on Symonds Street, built in 1978 for a campus of 10,000 students, could no longer meet the needs of today’s 46,000 students and 5,000 staff. It had reached capacity and was limiting opportunities for recreation and wellbeing.
Following extensive consultation, the new Recreation Centre was designed to enrich campus life and foster lifelong wellbeing. Research shows that students who used the facility weekly achieved significantly better grades. With green rooftops for recreation and reflection, spaces that connect users to nature and one another and roof turf with sweeping views of Auckland and the harbour, the centre stands as a vibrant central hub for student life.
Hiwa’s scale and unique design meant that an audio system was needed that could deliver not only high-quality sound, but also flexibility and ease of use. AV integrator Connect NZ was selected for the audiovisual contract and worked in close partnership with the University of Auckland’s AV design team to deliver a seamless integrated solution.
JBL Professional loudspeakers were selected for their exceptional sound performance, long-term durability and versatility across diverse spaces. Systems were supplied and supported by JPRO, JBL’s New Zealand distributor, who worked with the project team to ensure the right solutions were delivered for each application. Engineered to withstand heat, humidity and outdoor exposure, JBL’s weather-resistant loudspeakers deliver clear, consistent audio throughout, from indoor fitness studios to rooftop training zones, enhancing every moment within the space.
“We’ve tried various brands over the years but always come back to JBL. Their loudspeakers are reliable and purpose-built, and the support we receive from distributor JPRO makes a project of this scale far simpler.”
A diverse mix of speakers were installed to meet the acoustic and environmental demands of each space, while maintaining consistent, high-quality audio across the entire facility. JBL AC28-95 loudspeakers and ASB6118 subwoofers feature prominently in high-energy zones such as the Group Fitness, Dance and Bike Studios, delivering detailed high-output sound with added low-end support. The compact form factor of the AC28-95s suits flexible and visually sensitive spaces, while the powerful ASB6118 subs enhance impact for music-led workouts. In Sports Halls 1 and 2 CBT 70J column arrays and AC28-95 loudspeakers respectively provide wide, even coverage for large, dynamic environments.
Weather-resistant solutions were key for challenging areas such as the Aquatic Hall, Rooftop and Outdoor Turf. JBL AWC82 all-weather loudspeakers and CBT 1000 column arrays with CBT 1000E low frequency extenders were deployed for their durability and consistent performance in high-humidity and open-air settings. CBT 70Js on the rooftop and around the running track ensure wide, controlled coverage, while Control 25-1 and SLP14-T on-wall speakers cater to more intimate zones like entrances and quiet areas. Pendant models such as the Control 65PT and 67PT blend seamlessly into the open ceilings of the weights rooms, offering impactful sound for every workout.
The entire audio system throughout the Recreation Centre is distributed via Dante and powered by Crown DCi DriveCore installation amplifiers. Designed for demanding, mission-critical environments, the DCi Series delivers clean sound and rock-solid reliability. To streamline installation, reduce cable runs and simplify ongoing system management, multiple equipment racks were installed across each level of the building.
“Every part of the building, from the rooftop turf to the sports halls, has clear reliable sound that really lifts the experience.”
The Impact
Throughout all applications, JBL Professional’s loudspeaker solutions help elevate the energy, clarity and versatility of the new facility.
“It’s exciting to see a project of this scale come to life and we’re really pleased with the overall outcome,” says Paul Edlin, Audio Designer and Sales Director at JPRO. “All the loudspeakers have performed as per the design modelling. All in all, this is a great upgrade for the Rec Centre.”
The University AV Design Team agrees: “We’ve tried various brands over the years but always come back to JBL. Their loudspeakers are reliable and purpose-built, and the support we receive from distributor JPRO makes a project of this scale far simpler. From system design and specification to final commissioning, Paul Edlin and his team are world-class.”
Keith Block, General Manager of Connect NZ, adds: “It’s been fantastic working with JPRO to deliver the audio system for Hiwa. Rolling out a solution for a facility of this size and complexity, easily one of the biggest gym fit-outs in the Southern Hemisphere, was a real challenge but also a great opportunity. Together we made sure every part of the building, from the rooftop turf to the sports halls, has clear reliable sound that really lifts the experience. It’s awesome to see how Hiwa is already making a difference on campus and in the wider community. We’re proud to have played a part in bringing this world-class facility to life.”
Aquatic Hall
High humidity and corrosive conditions made JBL’s AWC82 all-weather loudspeakers the ideal choice for the Aquatic Hall, delivering clear, consistent audio for music and announcements across the stainless steel pool, spa, sauna and dive well. CBT 1000 line array column speakers with CBT 1000E extenders are discreetly installed on either side of the large video wall, JBL’s Constant Beamwidth Technology providing even, powerful coverage from the pool to the Spectator Mezzanine and Pool Lounge, despite acoustically challenging environments.
Group Fitness, Body and Dance Studios
JBL’s compact AC28-95 loudspeakers, supported by ASB6118 subwoofers, deliver high-output, detailed audio for music-driven classes. Their unobtrusive design suits the flexible studio spaces, used for group sessions and individual workouts.
Sports Halls
Home to the Southern Hemisphere’s first full glass LED sports floor, Sports Hall 1 supports a range of activities on a single dynamic surface. JBL CBT 70J column loudspeakers are positioned for even coverage, reducing overall volume while delivering clear audio throughout the space.
In Sports Hall 2, JBL AC28-95 loudspeakers positioned in the ceiling plenum deliver high-output, clear audio across the timber-floored court. With pre-marked lines for basketball, volleyball, netball, futsal and badminton, the space is ready for a wide range of indoor sports.
Rooftop
JBL CBT 70J column loudspeakers, weather-rated for outdoor use, provide consistent coverage across the rooftop pitch that is used for football, hockey, tennis and more. Four speakers are mounted on each side, with additional CBT 70Js along the running track and Control 25-1 on-wall speakers at the entrance. The rooftop also includes seating and open space for study, relaxation and fitness.
Cardio Room
JBL Control 16CT ceiling loudspeakers deliver clear, high-quality audio throughout the cardio rooms, supporting a wide range of medium to high-intensity workouts.
Weights Room
JBL Control65PT and 67PT pendant loudspeakers provide clear, detailed audio throughout the expansive weights area. Blending seamlessly into the open ceiling, they deliver consistent coverage across zones for resistance training, dumbbell work and powerlifting.
Bike Studio
JBL AC28-95 loudspeakers with ASB6118 subwoofers, deliver powerful sound in an immersive set-up for a next-level cycling experience. Positioned on each side of an 8-metre curved screen with surrounds at the rear, the system enhances the energy and impact of each ride.
Quiet Zone and Chill-out Areas
JBL SLP14-T low-profile on-wall loudspeakers provide rich, detailed sound throughout the quieter spaces—ideal for relaxing, studying, or unwinding after a workout.
Outdoor Turf
Near the main entrance, CBT 1000 line array column speakers with CBT 1000E extenders are installed on either side of the large video wall, delivering impactful sound across the outdoor turf and landscaped artificial hills.
Amplification
Crown DriveCore DCi Amplifiers deliver reliable, clean sound to the entire audio system:
- DCI41250DA
- DCI4300DA
- DCI4600DA
- DCI8300DA
- DCI8600DA
