Hiwa – The University of Auckland Recreation Centre is a landmark, vertically stacked wellness facility at the heart of the university’s student precinct. Designed to support physical, social, and mental wellbeing, the 20,000 m² building responds to a constrained urban site through an innovative split-level configuration organised around a central fitness core. Since opening, Hiwa has become a major hub of campus life, with over 500,000 visits in its first months. KOROK contributed to this nationally and internationally recognised project by supplying high-performance fire and acoustic wall systems for lift shafts, risers, and service ducts, supporting both the building’s technical and architectural ambitions.

 Technical Challenge

The project faced significant technical complexity due to its eight-level vertical stacking, requiring robust fire separation between lift shafts, risers, and occupied spaces. Construction occurred within a tightly constrained urban site, limiting access and traditional installation methods, while extensive service coordination was required across stacked programme zones. These challenges demanded a wall system that could deliver certified fire and acoustic performance without adding unnecessary weight, complexity, or installation time—particularly for multi-storey shaft construction.

Why KOROK Was Specified

KOROK was specified to support the project’s fire safety strategy while simplifying construction within confined vertical spaces. The KOROK® lift shaft, riser, and duct systems offered several advantages aligned with the project’s requirements:

• Single-side installation, eliminating the need for internal scaffolding within shafts
• Proven fire and acoustic performance, essential for large, publicly occupied buildings
• Lightweight construction, reducing load impacts on the stacked structure
• Speed and efficiency, supporting programme certainty in a complex build environment

For a project of this scale and intensity, the ability to install from one side only was particularly valuable, improving safety, access, and sequencing across multiple floors.

System Selected

The project utilised KOROK® Lift Shafts, Risers & Ducts systems, constructed with KOROK® 78mm Galv Panels.

The panels are precision roll‑formed from high‑quality zinc‑coated steel in accordance with AS/NZS 1397:2001 standards and house a lightweight aerated concrete core. With a nominal weight of approximately 10.2 kg per lineal metre, the panels provided excellent handling characteristics while maintaining structural integrity and high-performance fire and acoustic outcomes.

This system was particularly well suited to the vertical nature of the building and the high level of service coordination required throughout the facility.

Benefits, Compliance & Performance Outcomes

KOROK systems at Hiwa delivered compliant, high‑performance fire and acoustic solutions for lift shafts, risers, and ducts, supporting both occupant safety and user comfort. The BRANZ‑appraised systems provided confidence in compliance, reduced consenting risk, and aligned seamlessly with the project’s advanced fire engineering strategy. Fast, single‑sided installation improved programme certainty and coordination within the vertically stacked building, while long‑term durability ensured reliable performance for this landmark education facility.

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The Sands Stage 1A is the first completed phase of The Sands Town Centre in Pāpāmoa, a major master‑planned commercial development in the Bay of Plenty. Completed in 2024, the project includes a New World supermarket and a mixed‑use retail block, delivered concurrently on a greenfield site. Livingstone Building acted as ECI Contractor alongside Bluehaven Commercial, delivering approximately 4,901m² of space including supermarket and multiple tenant fit‑outs. This stage represents the fifth collaboration between Livingstone and Bluehaven and forms part of the first of three planned stages for the wider development.

Why KOROK Was Specified

KOROK was specified for its proven performance in commercial and industrial environments where reliable fire and acoustic separation is critical. Its independently tested and appraised systems provided confidence to the project team, while the modular, prefabricated panel design supported efficient on‑site coordination and consistent, verifiable performance outcomes aligned with construction and programme requirements.

The project used 78mm KOROK galvanised panels as a non‑loadbearing internal wall solution across supermarket and retail tenancies. The system delivers a robust combination of fire resistance and acoustic control for intertenancy and back‑of‑house areas, using interlocking steel‑faced panels with an aerated concrete core that can be installed vertically or horizontally to suit the building layout.

Technical Challenge

As a large‑format supermarket and multi‑tenancy retail development, the project required internal wall systems that could provide effective fire separation and acoustic control across a range of occupancies. These performance requirements were essential to meeting regulatory obligations while supporting the differing operational needs of both anchor and specialty tenants.

Compliance + Performance

KOROK Warehouse and Retail Systems are developed to recognised New Zealand Standards and supported by BRANZ testing and appraisal. On this project, the system delivered compliant fire resistance, effective acoustic performance, and reliable non‑loadbearing structural performance, providing confidence in regulatory compliance and supporting a smooth consenting and delivery process for a complex mixed‑use commercial development.

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KOROK® Fire and Acoustic Solutions Elevate a World-Class Arts Venue

The Waikato Regional Theatre is set to become a landmark for Hamilton and the wider Waikato region, bringing world-class performing arts, cultural vibrancy, and community engagement to the city centre. After six years of planning and collaboration, construction began in November 2021, with completion expected in 2025. KOROK® was proud to contribute to this transformational project, providing innovative fire and acoustic wall solutions that underpin both safety and sound quality.

KOROK® Contribution: Cinema-Grade Walls for Exceptional Performance

KOROK supplied 3,000 m² of our 78mm Galv Panel for the theatre, incorporating our specialised Cinema Systems designed specifically for performing arts venues. Each KOROK® 78mm Galv Panel is rollformed from zinc-coated steel strips, featuring a 0.4 mm base metal thickness and Z275 zinc coating, with an aerated concrete core weighing approximately 10.2 kg per lineal metre. These panels combine lightweight construction with superior acoustic and fire performance, making them ideal for auditoriums and rehearsal spaces.

Our systems deliver superior soundproofing, ensuring minimal sound transmission between performance spaces, enhancing the experience for audiences while meeting stringent fire safety standards. With a proven track record across cinema and theatre projects, KOROK® provides trusted, reliable solutions for both fire protection and acoustic performance.

Supporting a Heritage-Led, Community-Focused Project

The Waikato Regional Theatre has been designed as an arts-led urban regeneration project, reconnecting Hamilton’s city centre with the Waikato River. The theatre integrates the retained façade of the historic Hamilton Hotel, incorporates heritage elements and native timbers from the original building, and will feature a 1,300-seat lyric theatre capable of operating in both theatre and orchestra modes.

By installing KOROK® fire- and acoustic-rated walls, the project benefits from enhanced safety for visitors and staff, as well as controlled acoustics critical to both performances and audience enjoyment. KOROK’s lightweight, prefabricated systems complemented the architect’s use of mass timber for the auditorium roof, blade walls, catwalks, and bleachers, supporting the project’s ambitious programme while delivering practical fire and acoustic solutions.

Why KOROK® Was Chosen

Hamilton’s new theatre required walls that could handle high acoustic demands, strict fire compliance, and fast, efficient installation. KOROK® provided:

• High Fire Resistance: Fully compliant with New Zealand building code requirements, ensuring the safety of audiences, performers, and staff.
• Proven Acoustic Performance: Minimal sound transfer between spaces, delivering an immersive and high-quality performance experience.
• Efficient Installation: Lightweight panels with clip-together simplicity allowed for rapid assembly on a complex, multi-material project.

By integrating KOROK® systems into the Waikato Regional Theatre, the venue benefits from both technical performance and long-term reliability, supporting the vision of a cultural hub that will serve Hamilton and the Waikato region for decades.

Building a Legacy with KOROK®

From safeguarding audience experiences to supporting the acoustic integrity of performances, KOROK® has played a key role in making the Waikato Regional Theatre a safe, world-class venue. This project underscores KOROK’s expertise in delivering fire and acoustic solutions for complex, high-profile buildings, from cinemas to performance spaces, helping communities thrive through innovative and trusted wall systems.

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Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre stands as one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most ambitious community and high-performance sporting developments – a 32,000m² hub designed to support everyday recreation through to elite national and international events. Designed by Warren and Mahoney in association with Peddle Thorp and MJMA, and delivered on behalf of Crown Infrastructure Delivery for Christchurch City Council, the project required building systems that could perform at the highest level – structurally, acoustically, and in fire protection. KOROK was proud to contribute to this nationally significant development, supplying 300m² of KOROK® 78mm Galv Panel for key internal fire and acoustic separations within the complex.

The Challenge: Performance Across Scale, Safety & Sound

A building of this scale brings significant fire-safety and acoustic requirements. With large wet and dry zones, interconnected public spaces, high-performance training areas, and major event facilities, the project team required internal wall systems that delivered:

• High fire resistance for critical separation zones
• Reliable acoustic performance to manage noise transfer between pools, courts, fitness areas, and specialist spaces
• Lightweight construction to integrate efficiently into the steel-driven structural design
• Durability and compliance within a major civic facility expected to host two million visitors annually

This combination of acoustic control, fire protection, and constructability made KOROK’s systems an ideal fit.

KOROK® Solution

KOROK supplied 300m² of KOROK® 78mm Galv Panels, providing a robust fire- and acoustic-rated solution for internal separations within the facility. Why the 78mm Galv Panel Was Chosen:

• High-Performance Fire Rating. Manufactured from zinc-coated steel shells conforming to AS/NZS1397:2001 with a Z275 coating, the panels offer reliable and tested fire protection essential for a public facility of this scale.
• Excellent Acoustic Control. The aerated concrete core delivers strong airborne sound reduction — critical in a building that includes hydroslides, aquatic halls, gym spaces, and nine active courts.
• Lightweight & Efficient to Install. At just 10.2kg per lineal metre, the 78mm panel is easily handled on a complex construction site, allowing rapid installation and smoother coordination with other trades.
• Durability for Heavy-Use Environments. Designed to stand up to the demands of high-traffic public recreation centres and high-performance training areas.

The KOROK system contributed to meeting the project’s stringent fire-safety requirements while supporting the acoustic conditions necessary to create a functional and enjoyable environment across vastly different activity zones.

KOROK’s contribution helped ensure safe, durable, and high-performing internal environments within one of New Zealand’s most significant sport and recreation developments. The Parakiore facility will host community users, school groups, local clubs, and elite athletes alike – supported by dependable fire and acoustic separation systems designed to perform over decades of intensive use. KOROK is proud to support a project that not only enhances Christchurch’s sporting infrastructure but also delivers long-term social, economic, and recreational benefit for the region.

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The highly anticipated IKEA Auckland has officially opened its doors – marking the Swedish retailer’s first store in New Zealand and a major milestone for the Sylvia Park precinct.

Spanning 34,000 m², the store is the size of three rugby fields and was designed to deliver IKEA’s global retail experience while meeting New Zealand’s seismic and building performance standards. Developed by Kiwi Property Group and constructed by Naylor Love, the store opened in December 2025, just in time for the busy Christmas season.

KOROK’s Contribution

KOROK® was proud to play a key role in the construction of New Zealand’s first IKEA, supplying approximately 5,500 m² of our 78mm Gen 2 Fire and Acoustic-Rated Wall Systems.  Our panels were used as part of the KOROK® External Wall Systems (Factory & Warehouse System) – providing the strength, speed, and performance required for such a large-scale commercial facility.

Collaboration and Delivery

The project was managed and built by Naylor Love, who also oversaw mental health and safety initiatives on site through MATES in Construction accreditation – promoting wellbeing across the workforce. Designed by Australian architects, the Auckland IKEA incorporates enhanced seismic resilience, setting a new benchmark for large-format retail design in New Zealand.

Project Outcome

The completion of IKEA Auckland represents a significant achievement in New Zealand’s construction and retail sectors. The store showcases a blend of Swedish design principles and Kiwi engineering expertise, delivered through a collaborative effort across the project team.  KOROK® is proud to have contributed to this landmark development, helping ensure the store’s fire safety, acoustic performance, and long-term durability – all while supporting efficient construction and high-quality results.

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Project Overview
Air New Zealand’s Hangar 4 is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest single-span timber aircraft hangar, designed to simultaneously accommodate a widebody Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and two Airbus A320/A321 aircraft. The facility includes hangar space alongside workshops and engineering areas, all designed with sustainability, operational efficiency, and safety in mind.

KOROK’s Role
KOROK Building Systems supplied KOROK® External Wall Systems for Hangar 4, delivering a complete solution for fire-rated, acoustic-rated, and weatherproof external walls. These systems were essential for providing safe, durable, and efficient separation across hangar and workshop areas, while withstanding New Zealand’s unique environmental conditions.

Project Highlights

• Panels integrated seamlessly with the massive timber trusses, minimizing additional structural load.
• All-in-one design simplified construction and accelerated the project timeline.
• Fire and acoustic performance created a safe and productive working environment for Air New Zealand engineers.

Outcome
KOROK® External Wall Systems and 78mm Colour Panels supported Hangar 4 in achieving world-class standards in fire safety, acoustic separation, and weather resilience. The lightweight, durable, and efficient solution complemented the innovative mass timber construction, helping create a safe, functional, and sustainable aviation maintenance facility.

Products Used

• KOROK® External Wall Systems: All-in-one solution for external walls, offering fast installation, fire and acoustic protection, and weatherproof durability without the need for cranes or engineered slabs.
• 78mm KOROK® Colour Panels: Lightweight yet high-performance panels with a COLORSTEEL® steel shell and aerated concrete core, providing superior fire and acoustic protection while complementing the External Wall System.

Key Benefits Delivered

• Lightweight & Cost-Effective: Reduced installation time and material costs.
• Rapid, Simple Installation: Small installation teams managed wall construction efficiently.
• Fire & Acoustic Efficiency: Enhanced safety and operational comfort in hangar and workshop spaces.

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CASE STUDY

Te Iwitahi – Whangārei Civic Centre

The Project

The Te Iwitahi – Whangārei Civic Centre was conceived as a gateway project for Whangārei, reflecting multicultural themes, Tikanga Māori, and a transparent form to embody democracy in action. The four-storey building centralises council services, bringing together community, customer-facing functions, and staff workplaces in a single hub.

With a design anchored by a striking light-filled atrium, flexible open-plan workspaces, and biophilic design principles, the Civic Centre has become a vibrant, welcoming environment for both staff and community.

KOROK is proud to have supplied our fire and acoustic-rated wall systems to a project that has already achieved national recognition and set a benchmark for civic architecture in New Zealand.

KOROK’s Role

KOROK was proud to contribute to this award-winning project by supplying over 500m² of our fire and acoustic-rated wall panels. Our systems were installed across all lift shafts, risers, and ducts, delivering the critical fire safety and noise control performance the building required. These elements are essential in large civic projects, where high volumes of staff and community members move through the building daily. By providing a lightweight, robust, and compliant wall system, KOROK helped ensure safety, comfort, and efficiency throughout the construction process.

The Outcome

The Whangārei Civic Centre is now recognised not only for its architectural excellence but also for the way it serves the community. For KOROK, being part of such a landmark civic development showcases the reliability of our systems in high-performance, large-scale projects. Our involvement demonstrates how KOROK panels provide trusted solutions for critical infrastructure, meeting stringent fire and acoustic requirements while supporting project efficiency.

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CASE STUDY

30 Madden Street, Multi-Unit Residential

Located in Auckland’s Wynyard Quarter, 30 Madden represents the latest chapter in one of New Zealand’s largest urban regeneration projects. Developed by Willis Bond and designed by Studio Pacific Architecture, this multi-stage residential development features over 150 apartments, townhouses and duplexes across five buildings.

With sustainability and liveability at its core, 30 Madden achieved a 7-Star Homestar rating and received accolades including a Gold Pin at the 2022 Best Design Awards and an Excellence Award at the 2022 NZ Property Industry Awards. Behind the scenes, KOROK® played a key role in delivering high-performance intertenancy wall systems that supported both the environmental and construction goals of the project.

KOROK’s Contribution

To meet the stringent fire and acoustic performance requirements of multi-residential buildings, KOROK® supplied our 78mm Galv Panels for use in all intertenancy residential walls across the 30 Madden development. In multilevel buildings like apartments, intertenancy walls must achieve excellent fire resistance and sound insulation – while also fitting into tight construction programs. Traditional framed systems often rely on linings that complicate detailing, especially in ceiling plenums. KOROK® Intertenancy Residential (KIR) Wall Systems offer a smarter alternative:

• No ceiling plenum linings required
• Outstanding fire and acoustic performance
• Streamlined design and faster installation
• Less material waste and reduced cost

Our KOROK® 78mm Galv Panels are roll-formed from zinc-coated steel and filled with a proprietary aerated concrete core. Each panel weighs only 10.2 kg per lineal metre, making them a lightweight yet high-performing solution that’s well-suited to modern mid- and high-rise developments like 30 Madden.

A System That Supports Award-Winning Design

With high-end finishing, elevated community spaces, and sustainable features such as stormwater harvesting and native landscaping, 30 Madden stands as a showcase of future-focused urban living. KOROK’s contribution ensured that behind the architectural elegance lies robust fire and acoustic protection – providing peace of mind to residents and long-term performance for the building.

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CASE STUDY

New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC)

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) sets a bold new standard for large-scale civic infrastructure. Located in the heart of Auckland and occupying half a city block, the NZICC is not just a building, it’s a redefinition of what it means to host the world in a uniquely New Zealand way. KOROK is proud to have played a vital role in supporting the success of this landmark project through the supply of our fire and acoustic rated systems.

Designed by Warren and Mahoney in collaboration with Moller Architects and Woods Bagot, and built by Fletcher Building, the NZICC features a vertical stacking layout and an extensive program of flexible, high-performance spaces. With a 2,850-seat plenary hall, over 8,000 square metres of exhibition space, and a dedicated multi-use theatre, the structure demanded robust and adaptable building solutions at every level.

KOROK® Systems: Protecting the Heart of the Building

KOROK supplied our fire and acoustic rated wall systems for all lift shafts, risers, and duct enclosures throughout the NZICC. In a facility of this scale and complexity, these core services are central to both life safety and operational efficiency. Our systems delivered key advantages to the project team, helping them stay on schedule while maintaining the highest standards of safety and performance:

• Single-side installation meant that lift shafts could be enclosed without the need for internal scaffolding—eliminating logistical complications and reducing time on site.
• Superior fire and acoustic performance provided assurance in both regulatory compliance and end-user comfort. In a convention centre where large crowds and simultaneous events are the norm, effective noise separation and passive fire protection are non-negotiable.

Building for the Future

As the NZICC moves toward completion at the end of 2024, it will stand as a global benchmark for hospitality and cultural expression—featuring expansive glass façades, stunning Māori and New Zealand landscape-inspired artwork, and a new pedestrian laneway that connects people across the city.

We’re proud that KOROK systems contributed to the delivery of a project that not only transforms its urban surroundings but also brings safety, performance, and durability to the heart of one of New Zealand’s most significant public venues.

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CASE STUDY

Metlifecare Gulf Rise

Metlifecare Gulf Rise in Red Beach is a standout example of modern retirement living — open, connected, and community-focused. With architectural input from Warren and Mahoney (Stage 1), Ignite Architects (Stages 1–4 of Precinct Two), and landscape design by Boffa Miskell, the project is a masterclass in designing for wellbeing and longevity.

KOROK proudly supplied our fire and acoustic wall systems throughout the development, helping deliver on the vision of safe, peaceful, and efficient living for older New Zealanders

Why KOROK is a Smart Choice for Retirement Villages

Retirement living comes with specific design and performance requirements – safety, acoustic comfort, fast build times, and minimal disruption. KOROK delivers on all fronts:

• Superior acoustic separation – essential for resident privacy
• Fire-rated protection – compliant and reliable for high-risk occupancies
• Quick, clean installation – ideal for staged builds and live sites
• Low-waste, lightweight system – supporting site safety and sustainability

Whether in intertenancy walls, lift shafts, or service corridors, our systems helped the Gulf Rise team maintain build speed, reduce on-site disruption, and meet NZBC requirements with confidence. Gulf Rise is a bold, forward-thinking village — and we’re proud our systems helped make it a safe, quiet, and welcoming place to call home.

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