Listen Technologies, a provider of assistive listening, multi-language audio transmission and live-streaming audio solutions, and its strategic partner Ampetronic, a world-leading provider of hearing loop systems, have delivered the next generation of assistive technology to Stadium Taranaki in New Plymouth, New Zealand.
As part of a significant redevelopment to enhance its facilities for the future, the stadium now employs Auri by Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, powered by Auracast.
The stadium, which regularly hosts national and international events, aims to establish itself as New Zealand’s top regional hub for sports and entertainment, emphasising inclusion and accessibility for all guests. Upgrades to the West and East stands, enhanced seismic strength, and scalable facilities made the redevelopment not only structural but also focused on improving the overall experience.
A primary goal for the stadium and its community partners was to guarantee that fans with hearing impairments could have an equally immersive experience as everyone else.
Finding the right solution
Early community consultations revealed a high demand for hearing assistance at the stadium. The original plan involved deploying a traditional hearing loop system, a reliable solution for direct audio access.
However, as the East Stand was included in the scope and the infrastructure’s complexity grew, implementing a loop system proved challenging.
With multiple zones, expansive spaces, and a requirement for adaptable coverage, the team, which included Provision Technologies, one of New Zealand’s largest and most experienced AV integration firms, and Jands, which has been at the forefront of distributing world-class audio, video, lighting, and broadcasting technologies throughout Australia and New Zealand since 1970, looked for a forward-looking solution that provided equal access without adding technical or architectural limitations.
Provision collaborated with Jands to assess and simulate different assistive listening solutions for the East Stand, Causeway, and Event Space. As the project progressed, new technologies emerged. Jands then introduced the client to Auri, the first assistive listening system worldwide to utilise Auracast technology, providing high-quality wireless audio transmission to devices such as hearing aids, earbuds, and dedicated receivers.
Auri enables the venue to provide the same direct audio experience as a hearing loop, but without needing under-floor cabling or amplifier arrays. Instead, it employs Bluetooth Low Energy to transmit crisp, low-latency audio directly to users’ Auracast-compatible hearing aids, earbuds, smartphones, or dedicated receivers.
The system installed at Stadium Taranaki includes four Dante-enabled Auri transmitters: two covering the East Stand with over 1,200 square metres of coverage, one for the Causeway, and one for the Event Space. Additionally, 32 Auri receivers were provided for visitors on demand. This project is among the first Auracast stadium installations in Australasia and represents a key milestone in deploying accessible technology in public venues.
“A game changer”
The choice to implement Auracast at Stadium Taranaki marks a historic milestone in accessibility for New Zealand, holding broader national importance. Dr Lisa Seerup, president of Hearing New Zealand, noted that the country was nearly the first worldwide to introduce Auracast during the FIFA Women’s World Cup, with support from Bluetooth SIG, FIFA, and government backing via Sports Minister Grant Robertson.
“New Zealand almost led the world with the launch of Auracast,” says Dr Seerup. “We had support from FIFA to make the World Cup the most accessible ever and were in discussions with Bluetooth SIG to roll out Auracast across stadiums. It had global momentum, even reaching the level of Apple’s Tim Cook – until Apple confirmed they weren’t ready yet.
“That pause didn’t take away from the technology’s significance. Auracast is a game changer.”
Unlike traditional assistive listening systems that depend on proprietary equipment and are limited to certain locations, Auracast is compatible with all Auracast-enabled devices—broadening access for users of hearing aids, earbuds, smartphones, or AirPods.
“The majority of systems in the past needed special equipment. Auracast doesn’t. It opens access not only to hearing aid users, but to the 80% of people who need hearing aids and don’t have them,” she added. “It’s the first time we’ve seen such a big investment by global tech companies in accessibility for people with hearing loss. My assessment? Game changer.”
Hearing New Zealand, an organisation advocating for assistive listening technology since 1932, was encouraged by the progress of its implementation at Stadium Taranaki. They expressed their interest in supporting the launch and promoting the venue as a nationally recognised leader in accessibility.
Inclusion in live events
Delivering this innovative assistive listening solution was a genuine team effort, rooted in common values of inclusion, innovation, and striving for excellence in execution.
“Provision excelled at meeting the client’s needs and ensuring that they made an informed decision regarding the system to be used,” says Justin Marechal, account development manager at Jands NZ.
“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. It was a privilege to be on site with Provision during commissioning and testing with the IQP, and to witness this successful and inclusive outcome.”
“This project was a perfect blend of innovation and collaboration,” adds Dylan Torr, AV sales consultant at Provision. “By prioritising accessibility from the start, we didn’t just upgrade a stadium – we redefined what it means to create an inclusive experience for every fan.”
Listen Technologies and Ampetronic are also providing accessible audio for visitors to the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan.
