NEW PLYMOUTH, New Zealand — Stadium Taranaki, a premier regional venue in New Zealand for sports and live events, has installed a next-gen Listen Technologies and Ampetronic Auri assistive listening system. Auri is the world’s first Auracast-based assistive listening system, offering crystal-clear wireless audio transmission to personal devices such as hearing aids, earbuds and dedicated receivers.
As part of Stadium Taranaki’s major redevelopment — including upgraded stands, improved seismic resilience and scalable facilities — a key priority for the overall project was ensuring that fans with hearing loss could enjoy the same immersive experience as everyone else.
Auri’s Australian and New Zealand distributor Jands worked with leading New Zealand integrator Provision Technologies on the task. With teams in Auckland, Christchurch and across the country, Provision specializes in scalable systems for commercial and public infrastructure projects.
During the early stages of the project, community consultation revealed strong demand for hearing assistance capabilities across the stadium. The original plan involved deploying a traditional hearing loop system. However, as the additional East Stand was added, the scope and the complexity of the infrastructure increased, and the practicality of installing a loop system became a challenge. With multiple zones, large spaces and a need for flexible coverage, the team sought a future-focused alternative that could deliver equal access — without introducing technical or architectural constraints.
Provision worked with Jands to evaluate and model various assistive listening options for the East Stand, Causeway and Event Space. As the project evolved, so did the available technology. Jands introduced the client to Auri. a groundbreaking Based around Auracast broadcasting, Auri allowed the venue to deliver the same direct audio experience as a hearing loop — without the complexity of under-floor cabling or amplifier arrays. Instead, it uses Bluetooth Low Energy to broadcast clear, low-latency audio to users’ own Auracast-enabled hearing aids, earbuds, smartphones or dedicated receivers.
The Solution
The final system installation comprises four Dante-enabled Auri transmitters — two covering the East Stand with more than 1,200 square meters of coverage, one serving the Causeway, and another dedicated to the Event Space. In addition, 32 Auri receivers were supplied for the venue to offer on demand to visitors who require them. This project represents one of the first Auracast stadium installations in Australasia — a significant milestone in the deployment of accessible technology in public venues.
The decision to adopt Auracast at Stadium Taranaki represents a landmark moment in accessibility for New Zealand. Unlike traditional assistive listening systems, which often rely on proprietary equipment and are confined to specific locations, Auracast is designed to work with all Auracast-compatible devices — expanding access to those who use hearing aids, earbuds, smartphones or AirPods. According to Dr. Lisa Seerup, president of Hearing New Zealand, which has advocated for assistive listening technology since 1932, “Auracast is a game changer.”
A Team Effort Equals Success
The stadium’s assistive listening solution was truly a team effort. “Provision excelled at meeting the client’s needs and ensuring that they made an informed decision regarding the system to be used,” said Jands NZ’s account development manager Justin Marechal. “By collaborating closely, we presented all available options and delivered a system that enables everyone to share in the excitement of live events — without limitations.”
“This project was a perfect blend of innovation and collaboration,” added Dylan Torr, AV sales consultant at Provision Technologies. “By prioritizing accessibility from the start, we didn’t just upgrade a stadium — we redefined what it means to create an inclusive experience for every fan.”
- For more info about Jands, go to: www.jands.com.au
- For more info about Provision Technologies, go to: www.provision.co.nz
- For more info about Auri, go to: www.listentech.com
