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.

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.

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

The hotel offers a sophisticated and welcoming environment for its guests, and its stylish contemporary design demands an equally high-quality sound system capable of supporting a variety of settings, from ambient background music in public spaces to vibrant soundscapes in bars, restaurants and outdoor areas. Audio Workshop was engaged to develop and implement a solution that would deliver clear, high-quality audio across multiple zones while remaining unobtrusive and maintaining a relaxed atmosphere throughout the hotel.

Led by Matt Chapman, Audio Workshop selected a range of HARMAN Professional products to ensure premium sound quality, reliability and ease of operation. The system was designed to integrate seamlessly across five floors, with each area of the hotel benefiting from tailored audio delivery to suit its individual purpose.

Flexibility and ease of use was important, allowing hotel staff to manage the audio experience in every zone. Whether adjusting volume in the restaurant, selecting a different audio source for the lobby or fine-tuning sound levels in the outdoor spaces, the system provides intuitive and convenient control across the entire property.

Inside the lobby and reception areas, JBL Control 16CT ceiling loudspeakers were deployed to deliver clean, discreet audio, allowing ambient background music to gently shape the atmosphere without visually intruding on the space. This extended all the way to the lifts, providing guests with a seamless experience from the moment they step inside the building.

Control 16CT speakers in black were installed in the hotel’s bar and restaurant areas to match the interior design, while delivering clarity and warmth, helping to establish a pleasant audio backdrop for dining and socialising.

Outdoors where the Wellington climate can be less predictable, JBL Control 25-1 loudspeakers with WeatherMax grilles were selected. Covering the terraces and valet zones, their rugged build and weather-resistant design ensure guests enjoy the same high-quality sound outdoors as they do indoors.

Apart from the lift areas, all audio zones are powered by Crown CDi amplifiers. Designed to streamline installations, the CDi range has become a favourite among integrators because of their versatility, reliability and powerful onboard digital signal processing and networking capabilities, delivering strong performance at an attractive cost.

Loudspeaker management and control is handled by a BSS BLU-100 networked signal processor, ensuring reliable distribution across all zones. Its flexible open architecture and seamless integration allow the hotel to adjust settings for each area, such as control over source selection or volume levels, enabling staff to manage the system effortlessly.

To enhance usability, BSS Contrio EC-8BV Ethernet wall controllers were installed in key locations including reception and restaurant areas. These intuitive interfaces allow staff to adjust volume or switch audio sources with just a few taps, making day-to-day operation straightforward even for users with minimal technical experience.

The system went live smoothly, immediately transforming the hotel’s audio experience. Hotel management has since praised its ease of use, consistent sound quality and reliability.

Reflecting on the project, Matt Chapman explains: “The HARMAN Professional solution with JBL, Crown and BSS integrate seamlessly, which is why I specify it for so many projects. The BSS BLU digital signal processors are particularly robust and reliable; I’ve never had an issue with them. They perform exactly as they should, every time.”

Book Your Personalised Demo Today! | Get in touch with the JPRO team →

The JBL Control Contractor Series includes wall mount, ceiling and pendant loudspeakers for all types of venues. This includes theme parks, sporting venues, shopping malls, conference/meeting rooms, lecture halls, retail stores, concourses, transit spaces, fill applications, audio for video and more.

Discover the range of installed audio solutions from the resources below and download the brand new JBL Control Contractor Brochure that includes the latest in high performance pendant loudspeakers, wall-mounted slimline speakers and landscape speakers with in-ground subwoofers.

INTERACTIVE AV SHOWROOM  |  HOME THEATRE SHOWROOM | DEMO FORM

Visit the interactive JPRO Showroom to experience cutting-edge audio, video and control solutions from JBL Professional, BSS Audio, AMX and more. We also feature the only JBL Synthesis-certified luxury custom cinema demo room in New Zealand, where you’ll experience sound so rich and immersive it feels as though the film is unfolding around you!

The JPRO Experience Centre is available by appointment only. Contact us or book your experience today!

Book Your Personalised Demo Today! | Get in touch with the JPRO team →

Following the JBL Professional announcement of the award-winning Control Contractor Series product expansion, JPRO is pleased to announce that the new on-wall and in-ground landscape speakers and subwoofers are now available to demo and purchase in New Zealand.

Models included are the JBL GSF3 and GSF6 Garden Ground Stake landscape speakers and the GSB8 and GSB12 Garden In-Ground subwoofers.

The new range of all-weather landscape loudspeakers are winners of the RedDot international design award for industrial design excellence. Available in two natural colours, they blend unobtrusively into the outdoor environment.

Providing class-leading performance and reliability to a range of commercial sound installations, the new range provides a wider range of versatility allowing installers to design sound systems to meet any architectural requirement; aimed in particular at hotels, restaurants or leisure facilities where immersive or powerful outdoor sound is needed.

All products feature premium multi-tap transformers for use in distributed systems and are switchable for direct operation. These robust speakers are made from impact resistant materials complement a broad range of décors and finishes.

“JBL’s new loudspeakers and subwoofers really check all the boxes for integrators,” says Rick Kamlet, Senior Manager, Installed Loudspeakers, HARMAN Professional Solutions. “They provide power and clarity in a range of challenging acoustic environments, and they don’t just sound great, they’re incredibly versatile. With sonic signatures that complement JBL’s existing installation products, they can be mixed and matched to create the perfect solution for any application or budget. And they’re absolutely gorgeous.”

ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

Please contact a JPRO representative for a demo today or to learn more about the new Control Contractor range.

JBL CONTROL CONTRACTOR BROCHURE

Discover the range of installed audio solutions from the resources below and download the brand new JBL Control Contractor Brochure that includes the new expanded range of high performance pendant loudspeakers, wall-mounted slimline speakers and landscape speakers with in-ground subwoofers.

Need audio design assistance or want a demo and learn more about JBL Control Contractor?

Contact a JPRO specialist today!

VIDEO RESOURCES

The Opportunity

The redeveloped O’Connells Pavilion Shopping Mall was recently opened in the resort city of Queenstown on New Zealand’s South Island after five years of planning and construction.

The developer has leased two floors of the four-level building to global luxury travel retailer DFS Group for its “Resort Galleria” concept. The area includes a food hall named Eatspace that can accommodate 230 people.

AV systems integrator Strawberry Sound was tasked to outfit the audio and visual requirements of the venue which included a wireless microphone system. “We experienced a challenge in relation to where the customer mostly wanted to use their wireless microphone system,” says Reuben Pearce, Director at Strawberry Sound Queenstown. “The electronics cabinet is located in the opposite corner of the building, behind a concrete wall, and that could result in significant RF dropouts.”

The Solution

Reuben explained that with Queenstown being one of New Zealand’s top travel destinations and the renovated mall a major shopping destination, all of the technology had to fit the facility’s visual aesthetic. “We needed an architecturally appropriate product to use on an exposed ceiling,” he adds. “We had recently been introduced to the new Diversity Architectural Antenna by RF Venue distributor JPRO and it became clear that this would become an essential part of providing reliable wireless audio in an aesthetically pleasing format.”

System Features

RF Venue is a leading global manufacturer of wireless audio essential accessories. The Diversity Architectural Antenna is a high-performance antenna system for wireless microphones that features a slim profile enclosure, can be installed in any position on a wall or ceiling and can be painted to match any interior. Using a unique patent-pending dual-feed antenna design, both A and B diversity connections are provided, so there’s no need to install two separately spaced antennas, resulting in a more professional look that room designers and architects appreciate.

The Diversity Architectural Antenna was supplied through New Zealand distributor JPRO, one of New Zealand’s leading and most experienced professional audio and AV distribution companies.

“At JPRO, we understand that RF dropouts can ruin the most perfect production,” observes Andrew Sorrill, Marketing Specialist at JPRO. “We recommend the use of RF Venue products to our customers for any small, medium or large-scale wireless project because they perform reliably with all wireless audio brands, ensuring no dropouts.”

The Impact

Reuben Pearce says the result was what was expected: “Reliable wireless coverage from day one,” he says, with exceptional RF connectivity with zero dropouts throughout the space. “Our technicians were able to get in and out efficiently and deliver exactly what the client needed.” Expected, he says, because “we’ve used RF Venue products in prior projects, so we know we can rely on a good result. They simply do as they say they do on the box. RF Venue have a direct and reliable solution to what could have been a very real wireless problem.”

The Opportunity

HU’s Art Farm | Boutique Wedding and Event Venue is situated 30 minutes from Auckland in a picturesque rural setting with majestic elevated views between Coatesville and Riverhead Forest.

The venue was conceptualised by Mrs Hu, a patron of the arts, as an international art residence for performing and visual artists, enabling collaboration and a platform to showcase their work in a custom-built gallery. When the venue is not used as a residence, the facilities are hired out for boutique weddings, corporate events, retreats and accommodation.

The wedding venue and restaurant recently underwent extensive works that included improved acoustics and an upgrade of the sound system for its wedding venue. An important part of the audio requirement was the ability to minimise noise spill from the wedding venue and observe council guidelines in the idyllic setting.

To ensure high quality sound in a controlled environment, HU’s Art Farm | Boutique Wedding and Event Venue contracted Luma Audio Visual to design a high impact sound system with sound monitoring capability.

The Solution

Luma AV engaged with JPRO to provide a unique solution of a HARMAN Professional audio system design in conjunction with SoundEar Visual Noise Solutions to meet strict council requirements of no more than 40dbA at the property boundary.

A SoundEar3-320 noise monitor was specified to provide automated reports and monitor the overall noise level produced in the venue. The SoundEar is integrated with a BSS BLU-50 processor to manage the sound system.

Luma AV selected 16x JBL Control62P pendant speakers matched with 4x Control 50ST subwoofers to achieve a full-range performance and well balanced, distributed sound to meet the SPL requirements of the venue.

System Features:

• SoundEar3-320 noise monitor provides monitoring reports in conjunction with BSS BLU-50, including automated notifications and input gain reduction. It measures and logs the SPL in the room for a period of 600 days, with data accessible via USB for reference.
• JBL Control 62P white pendant speakers provide outstanding pattern control. They are evenly distributed throughout the wedding venue, allowing for consistent volume across the floor at a lower level.
• JBL Control 50ST compact subwoofers are surface mounted to the ceiling and provide high-power low-end bass response for the system.
• The system is powered by a Crown CDi  4300BL DriveCore amplifier with built-in audio presets; it sends and receives signals digitally through HARMAN’s BLU-Link audio bus.
• A JBL EON ONE Compact portable battery powered Bluetooth loudspeaker allows for fast and easy set up of sound reinforcement for outdoor functions, canapes and can be used as a monitor wedge on stage in the venue.

The Impact

“Our primary objective was to minimise noise spill and to meet council requirements of no more than 40dbA at the boundary. This was achieved through a professional audio design, complemented by purpose-built JBL Professional audio products and acoustic absorption and dampening,” says Josh Somerville from Luma. “SoundEar provides an ingenious method to effectively control the volume in the room and meet council noise requirements! SoundEar and BSS BLU-50 work cleverly together to create a big brother approach to noise control in the room. The combination of the JBL Control50 compact surface-mount subwoofers with the Control62P pendant loudspeakers provides an amazing experience for music and speech applications in the wedding venue that must be heard to be believed. Our client is exceedingly happy with the achieved result of meeting all objectives of this project.”

“We have improved our acoustics by installing white acoustic drapes and ceiling panels, while all air gaps are acoustically insulated,” says a HU’s Art Farm spokesperson. Our new professional JBL audio system allows for easy operation by any DJ and includes Bluetooth connectivity. The array of loudspeakers deliver crisp, clear sound with no dead spots when used for music or speech. The small portable battery powered sound system is reliable to use for our outdoor functions and easy to carry to other areas where needed. We are very pleased with this project and look forward to many successful events at HU’s Art Farm | Boutique Wedding and Event Venue.”

Tech Talk

JPRO’s technical design team adds “The system at HU’s farm was designed to deliver an outstanding music performance and experience – with the control of loudness. SoundEar provides an easy solution to reduce noise levels for businesses and institutions that need to comply with regulation. The system is designed to prevent the SPL from exceeding the limit and this is achieved using a limiter in the DSP for the PA, as well as a SoundEar 320 that monitors the ambient SPL in the room. If this exceeds a pre-determined average SPL over a minute, it triggers the BLU-50 DSP to reduce the input gain of the PA, thereby controlling the overall noise reduction in the room.”

“The use of quality loudspeakers with exceptional coverage is important in achieving this result. The design specification required multiple JBL Control62P pendant speakers distributed throughout the venue at a lower SPL. Unlike conventional loudspeakers mounted on speaker stands that need to be loud at the front to reach the back (thereby introducing loudness issues), SPL from the distributed Control62P system could be lower as it produces equal loudness across the coverage area.”

The Opportunity

New Zealand’s most exclusive retreat Helena Bay Lodge is an 800-acre luxury resort situated in the stunning Bay of Islands. With a variety of indoor and outdoor spaces including four private beaches, a gym, massage room, swimming pool, library, lounge areas, and multiple dining areas, the facility needed a centrally controlled AV system that could comprehensively cover the residences and common areas of the resort.

To address this, JPRO worked in conjunction with Liquid Automation and ABL Group to design a cutting-edge HARMAN AV solution featuring Crown amplifiers and BSS processing. The new HARMAN solution offers complete control of the resort’s audio, lighting and video distribution systems, and integrates seamlessly with the existing building management system.

The Solution

A BSS Soundweb London BLU-800 networked signal processor and Crown DriveCore Install Series amplifiers provide networked control of 46 audio zones spread out over the property, with 126 channels of audio inputs. The system distributes audio over the network to multiple locations, and then via BLU-link to the Crown DCi-N multi-channel network amplifiers. The audio distribution system is monitored remotely, which was a requirement due to the isolated location of the lodge.

The Impact

Darian from Liquid Automation comments “All the sources and outputs were run in stereo which created a complex audio matrix. To handle this many channels we had to turn to a high-end professional audio solution and BSS Soundweb was the obvious and only choice as it is known for sound quality, reliability and flexibility.”

Liquid Automation and ABL Group also won the “Best Special Project” and “Best Design and Documentation” awards at both CEDIA Asia/Pacific and CEDIA Americas for this state-of-the-art installation.

About Helena Bay Lodge, New Zealand

Expectations are high here when you consider the $5m per guest investment: this unique $50M property has just five suites, accommodating no more than ten guests. And while financial investment doesn’t guarantee luxury and service, we are pleased to report that it does here. Every conceivable luxury is to hand. The architecture and décor is intentionally on the bland side, so as not to distract from the beautiful surrounding landscape. This is destined to become one of the world’s best hotels.

The Opportunity

The premiere entertainment destination is home to 22 of Auckland’s top restaurants and bars, a convention centre with up to 21 function rooms, two hotels and a 700-seat theatre. The Sky Tower, at 328 metres, is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand, and offers views of up to 80km in every direction.

Co-ordinating and controlling audio on a site this diverse involves many challenges. There are several background music and television audio sources that need to be distributed to each zone, as well as local inputs in each area. Each of these sources needs to be available in every zone, and then prioritised depending on the function, or type of promotion that is running in that area.

The Solution

To gain this functionality and flexibility, SkyCity changed to the BSS BLU family of digital audio processors in 1995, and has grown to be New Zealand’s largest Soundweb installation.

The system currently consists of more than 35 BSS BLU processors and numerous ethernet control panels. Audio is distributed around the site using Dante.

The site is powered by a number of multi channel Crown DriveCore CDi and DCi installation amplifiers.

Each restaurant or bar within SkyCity has been architecturally designed and themed. Whether it be a discrete Control Contractor ceiling speaker, or something more stylised like the unobtrusive Pendant series, JBL’s extensive catalogue of purpose-built speakers help deliver that vision to the customer while maintaining the highest standards in audio fidelity. The site now totals more than 500 JBL speakers of various models.

Some venues in the complex have local control using AMX or Crestron interfaces, while a site-wide control interface has been created within the London Architect software.