Public Spaces
Iconic Whangārei events centre Semenoff Stadium secured by local experts since kick-off
When Semenoff Stadium (formerly known as Okara Park) was rebuilt in 2010, ARC Security was invited to come on board to design and install a modern electronic security system for the multi-purpose event centre. Home to Northland Rugby Union, and a venue for professional sports matches, expos, festivals, weddings and more, Semenoff Stadium can host up to 18,500 people and contains multiple corporate suites suitable for conferences.
ARC Security was commissioned to find solutions to two specific challenges. A stadium of this scale and capacity needed a high level of crowd control plus health and safety measures – including a safe and discreet way to monitor crowds from the security operations hub. To address this need we custom designed a camera system that has created full visibility across the entire complex, using a combination of new strategically-placed cameras – both static and with full pan, tilt, zoom (PTZ) functionality. We also utilised the stadium’s existing cameras by integrating these into the new software system.
With the previous system, usability was a huge issue for staff. Their old system required the support of a technician to come and download data before it could even be reviewed. Now staff have access to every camera view from their desk, showing live footage and giving them full control over the camera tilt and angle, so they can track and zoom as needed. CCTV monitoring allows security guards to take a closer look at areas of concern, and helps staff stay on top of health and safety protocols by actively collecting information on how the facility is used.
The second challenge was limiting access to the corporate suites to staff and the current, often short-term, tenant. As the facility managers did not want to risk having to change the locks on a regular basis, ARC Security proposed they become a keyless stadium. We did this by installing Gallagher Access Control, which enables access cards to be individually programmed for individual users – limiting and allowing access accordingly. When the user no longer needs access, the card can be returned, the data wiped, and new data applied for the next tenant. If a card is lost, it is simply deleted from the system, rendering it useless for unauthorised access. ARC Security’s has also supported Semenoff Stadium with alarm monitoring and biometrics key pads to provide security access to the lifts, lounges and tenanted office spaces within the stadium.
ARC Security is proud to serve the Whangārei District Council at Semenoff Stadium as well as other locations, and love seeing how our work helps keep our community safe. We regularly carry out routine maintenance including cleaning the cameras to keep Semenoff Stadium’s security up to par no matter the occasion.
