Upgraded Gate A

An essential upgrade project at Go Media Stadium has transformed the Gate A area, addressing long-standing flooding, ground stability and accessibility challenges.

The project addressed ongoing flooding issues, groundwork problems and accessibility challenges. After four months of continuous work, the project is complete.

What has changed

A 5100m2 area has been transformed between Gate A and Gate B at Go Media Stadium – a high-profile area with significant footfall.

A new plaza area now welcomes patrons, bolstered by a new road, improved walkways, moveable benches, a shade-sail and planter boxes.

With improved lighting and a new PA system, the plaza looks, feels and sounds like a new beginning for this part of the venue.

Flooding and accessibility

Flooding has been a persistent and costly issue for this area of Go Media Stadium. The northwestern section of the stadium precinct was built on a historic landfill site, and differential settlement over time had created low-lying areas prone to flooding.

With flooding occurring even after moderate rainfall, a long-term fix was needed.

The completed project restores safe access, vastly improves the operational usability of the site and removes the historic flooding issues.

Levelling out the road layout makes the venue more accessible for patrons with mobility restrictions. The space is now suitable for additional event opportunities and activations, including hospitality.

Reusing existing materials

A new retaining wall along the perimeter of the venue incorporates volcanic rock sourced directly from the site. For decades, this stone formed the edges of the garden beds outside Gate A. While the garden beds were removed due to their contribution to flooding, the original rock has been carefully retained and repurposed in the new retaining wall.

Hand-cut into shape, the stone now forms a wall that runs along one of the stadium’s busiest thoroughfares.

Tiaki taonga – looking after our heritage

Colourful Toi Māori design elements are expressed within the newly laid plaza outside Gate A, reflecting the connection between Rarotonga (Mt Smart), the wider volcanic landscape and the Manukau Harbour. These elements acknowledge the rich, layered narratives of iwi and reinforce the enduring relationship between land, water and people on the maunga itself.

Sustainable building practices were incorporated throughout the project where possible. Construction waste was reduced through the reuse of volcanic rock sourced from the site, while low-carbon concrete and asphalt were used for the new road layout, plaza and footpaths.

Upgraded stormwater infrastructure ensures water is effectively managed without transferring impacts elsewhere, addressing the long-standing flooding issues on site.

With guidance from Mana Whenua, native trees on site that required removal to prevent ongoing flooding were carefully relocated where possible. To offset this, an expanded planting programme has been undertaken across the stadium grounds, strengthening the overall landscape and ecological outcomes.

New shade sails further enhance the space, providing comfort and protection from heat during the warmer months.

Tātaki Auckland Unlimited strategic outcomes

The project also aligns with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) strategic outcomes.

Taonga and places - The project design ensures that Go Media Stadium, one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most recognisable places is looked after, accessible and enriched for the benefit of current and future generations.

Experiences and events – This project ensures that inspirational experiences, events and activations at Go Media Stadium can help to drive and enhance Tāmaki Makaurau’s unique cultural identity, vibrancy and prosperity.