Te Punga is the first residential stage of the wider Te Kūkūnga Waka regeneration project, a transformational masterplanned development on former Unitec land in Mt Albert, Auckland. Developed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Properties and designed by Cottee Parker, the project comprises 51 architecturally designed terrace homes and represents the first step in a long-term vision that will ultimately deliver more than 4,000 homes within a vibrant new community.

For a development of this scale and density, delivering reliable fire separation, acoustic privacy, and efficient use of internal floor space was essential. KOROK® was selected to provide the intertenancy wall solution throughout the project.

The Challenge

Modern terrace housing requires intertenancy walls that do considerably more than separate dwellings. They must:

• Protect occupants and property from fire spread.
• Provide acoustic separation between neighbouring homes.
• Meet stringent New Zealand Building Code requirements.
• Support construction efficiency across multiple units.
• Preserve valuable internal floor area.

For Te Punga’s 51 terrace homes, achieving all of these objectives was critical to delivering a high-quality living environment for future residents.

The KOROK® Solution

The KOROK® Intertenancy System uses steel-shelled, aerated-concrete panels installed between double wall frames and connected using aluminium brackets.

Unlike conventional wall systems that rely heavily on plasterboard linings for fire protection, the KOROK® panel itself acts as the primary fire barrier. This creates a robust and resilient system capable of maintaining performance even under extreme conditions.

In the event of a fire, aluminium brackets on the fire-exposed side are designed to melt, allowing the affected side to safely detach while the opposite side remains secured. This engineered response helps keep the fire barrier intact, reducing the risk of fire spread to neighbouring properties and maintaining the integrity of the separation wall.

KOROK’s Contribution

KOROK® supplied approximately 2,800m² of KOROK® 51mm Galvanised Panels for the project’s intertenancy wall systems.

The KOROK® Intertenancy Terraced Housing System was specified to provide robust fire and acoustic separation between adjoining homes while supporting efficient construction and maximising usable floor area within each dwelling.

Why KOROK® Was Ideal for Te Punga

As a premium medium-density residential development, Te Punga required a wall system that balanced performance, buildability, and long-term durability.

The KOROK® Intertenancy System delivered:

• Fire-rated protection between adjoining homes.
• Effective acoustic separation for resident comfort.
• Space-saving wall construction.
• BRANZ-appraised performance.
• Compliance with NZBC and BCA discontinuous construction requirements.
• A proven solution for modern terrace housing developments.

Outcome

By supplying 2,800m² of KOROK® 51mm Galvanised Panels, KOROK® provided a high-performance intertenancy solution that supported the project’s goals for fire safety, acoustic comfort, efficient construction, and quality residential living.

As Te Punga establishes the foundation for one of Auckland’s most significant urban regeneration projects, KOROK® is proud to have contributed to creating homes designed to serve future generations.

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Project Overview

The City Rail Link (CRL) is the largest transport infrastructure project ever undertaken in New Zealand, transforming Auckland’s rail network into a modern rapid transit system. This landmark development creates New Zealand’s first fully underground railway line, increasing network capacity by 50% and connecting key city precincts through a world-class transport system designed to serve Auckland’s growing population for generations to come.

The Challenge

Major underground rail infrastructure projects present unique fire protection challenges. Service risers, ducts, ceiling spaces, and bulkheads must maintain fire compartmentation throughout the network while allowing efficient installation within constrained construction environments.

The CRL project required solutions that could:

• Provide reliable fire and acoustic performance across critical building services infrastructure.
• Support complex construction sequencing within a large-scale infrastructure project.
• Minimise installation time in difficult-to-access locations.
• Reduce disruption to other trades working simultaneously on site.
• Deliver consistent fire continuity throughout service-rich environments.

KOROK® Solution

KOROK® supplied 760m² of its 78mm KOROK Galv Panels for use across risers, ducts, ceilings, and bulkheads throughout the project. Installed by Livefirm Construction, the KOROK® systems provided a lightweight, high-performance fire-rated solution tailored to the demanding conditions of underground rail infrastructure construction.

Project Benefits

By implementing KOROK® systems throughout selected riser, duct, ceiling, and bulkhead applications, the project benefited from:

• Fast installation using lightweight prefabricated panels.
• Single-side construction for risers and ducts, eliminating the need for internal scaffold access.
• Reliable fire compartmentation for critical infrastructure environments.
• High acoustic performance within service areas.
• Reduced site complexity and improved coordination with other trades.
• Efficient construction sequencing in restricted-access underground spaces.
• Proven performance on one of New Zealand’s most complex infrastructure projects.

Supporting a Landmark Infrastructure Project

The City Rail Link represents a transformational investment in Auckland’s future, delivering enhanced connectivity, reduced travel times, and increased public transport capacity for generations to come. KOROK® was proud to contribute to this nationally significant project, providing fire-rated solutions that supported efficient construction while helping maintain the high safety and performance standards required for critical transport infrastructure.

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Efficiency beyond installation

Designed for long-term performance

Smarter design delivers lower embodied carbon

• Simplified wall systems that use fewer materials.
• Made-to-measure manufacturing that minimises waste.
• Reduced on-site cutting, handling and over-ordering.
• Lower embodied carbon through reduced material demand.
• Durable systems designed for long-term performance and recyclability.

Recent Articles

SmartSteel Buildings delivered a modern 5-bay commercial workshop for Northland Toyota, designed to support a high-volume automotive operation. The facility incorporates vehicle preparation bays, hoist-ready service areas, and a layout optimised for efficient workflow and professional presentation.

As part of the building envelope, KOROK® supplied high-performance external wall solutions to meet the demanding requirements of durability, safety, and acoustic control typical of busy automotive environments.

KOROK® Contribution

KOROK® provided 108m² of KOROK® 78mm Colour Panel, installed as part of the KOROK® External Wall System.

The KOROK® External Wall System is a non-loadbearing vertical wall solution engineered for commercial and industrial applications. It combines:

• A zinc-coated COLORSTEEL® outer shell for durability and weather protection
• A high-density (400 kg/m³) aerated concrete core for fire resistance and acoustic insulation

This all-in-one system delivers fire rating, acoustic performance, and weather-tightness within a single assembly. The system uses 78mm interlocking panels installed vertically to create a continuous protective barrier, limiting acoustic leakage while maintaining fire integrity.

Outcome

The integration of the KOROK® External Wall System ensured that the Northland Toyota workshop achieved:

• High fire safety standards for commercial compliance
• Improved acoustic performance, supporting a more controlled working environment
• Durability suited to demanding industrial use
• Efficient construction timelines, aligning with Smart Steel’s delivery goals
• Modern, professional aesthetics

This project demonstrates how KOROK® contributes to high-performance building outcomes by supporting safer work environments, efficient project delivery, and long-term durability and reliability, working alongside SmartSteel Buildings to deliver a facility that reflects the operational excellence and brand strength of Northland Toyota.

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Project Maunga is the major redevelopment of Taranaki Base Hospital, delivering future‑focused healthcare facilities for the Taranaki region. The project sets new benchmarks for healthcare design, targeting Zero Energy and Zero Carbon certification through the International Living Future Institute (ILFI), while maintaining the rigorous fire, acoustic, and infection‑control standards required in a hospital environment.

Architectural Vision & Performance

Designed by Warren and Mahoney Architects, This project challenges traditional perceptions of hospital environments. The single‑level building prioritises accessibility, patient dignity, and clinical efficiency, while feeling more like a community clinic than a hospital.

After accounting for carbon‑sequestering materials, the building achieves a net upfront embodied carbon of –126 kg CO₂e/m², making it one of the first healthcare facilities globally to achieve a net‑negative carbon outcome.

Why KOROK® Was Chosen

KOROK® systems delivered the required fire resistance and acoustic performance for lift shafts, risers, and ducts, supporting patient safety, comfort, and regulatory compliance in a healthcare environment, while also enhancing construction efficiency. The system contributed to reduced construction time, and minimised programme risk.

• 813 m² of KOROK® 78 mm Galvanised Panels
• Applications: lift shafts, service risers and services ducts

The KOROK® 78 mm Galv Panel offered several advantages aligned with the project’s requirements:

• Fire and acoustic performance: Providing compliant fire separation and acoustic control essential for hospital service zones.
• Lightweight, high‑performance construction: Precision roll‑formed from AS/NZS 1397:2001 compliant zinc‑coated steel with a lightweight aerated concrete core, delivering strength at a nominal weight of just 10.2 kg per lineal metre.
• Efficient installation in confined spaces: Single‑side installation reduced the need for internal scaffolding within shafts, improving safety and construction efficiency.
• Reduced programme risk: Faster installation and minimal on‑site modification supported delivery within a complex, live hospital environment.

Outcome

The integration of KOROK® fire and acoustic rated wall systems supported the delivery of a world‑leading healthcare facility – one that combines sustainability leadership, patient‑centred design, and robust technical performance. At Taranaki Base Hospital, KOROK® has contributed to a building that is not only safe and durable, but also aligned with the project’s wider vision of resilience, efficiency, and long‑term environmental responsibility.

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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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