Auracast™ LOCATION PROFILE
Baycourt Community and Arts Centre
About this location
Key stats
Location: Tauranga, New Zealand
Venue type: Theatre
Location size: 582 seating capacity
Auracast™ equipment installed: Williams AV
Installation: DIY installation
Baycourt Community and Arts Centre has been the cultural heart of Tauranga, New Zealand, for more than 40 years. Opened in 1983 by King Charles III and the late Princess Diana, the venue is a well‑known landmark in the city center and a hub for creativity, discovery, and self‑expression. Operated by Tauranga City Council, Baycourt serves a diverse mix of audiences and performers, from international touring productions to local school choirs, dance schools, and community groups.
At the centre of the venue is the Addison Theatre, a 582‑seat proscenium arch auditorium equipped with professional audio‑visual systems and supported by experienced technical staff. Guided by the values of manaakitanga and kaitiakitanga, Baycourt is committed to creating an inclusive environment where stories are shared and the performing arts can uplift the community.
The problem statement
Prior to deploying Auracast™ broadcast audio, Baycourt relied on a traditional T‑Coil assistive listening system to support patrons with hearing loss. Over time, audience feedback highlighted persistent challenges with this approach. Coverage was inconsistent throughout the venue, and many users found the system unreliable or difficult to use. These limitations reduced the effectiveness of the assistive listening offering and led to frustration among patrons who depended on accessible audio to fully engage with performances.
As expectations around accessibility and audio quality continued to rise, it became clear that Baycourt needed a more modern, flexible solution that could deliver a consistent experience and better align with emerging standards.
The Auracast™ solution
Deployment
Baycourt identified Auracast™ broadcast audio as a next‑generation assistive listening solution through NSL, one of its audio suppliers. Factors influencing the decision included growing adoption, improved ease of connectivity for users, and the potential for delivering higher‑quality sound.
The venue selected the Williams AV Infinium Auracast™ solution and deployed it as an overlay rather than a full replacement. The existing T‑Coil system has been retained in the near term to ensure continued support for patrons who do not yet have Auracast™ compatible devices.
From a technical perspective, the installation process was described as relatively straightforward.
Benefits
Although the system had been live for only two days at the time of reporting, the anticipated benefits are clear. Auracast™ broadcast audio offers a more modern and scalable approach to assistive listening, with the potential to improve reliability, audio clarity, and ease of access for patrons.
By prioritizing accessibility improvements, Baycourt is reinforcing its commitment to inclusive experiences and recognizing that accessible audio is a critical part of audience engagement. Technical and Operations Manager Dale Henderson said, “Improving the experience for this sector of the audience is a no‑brainer and should be prioritized by venues.”
A look ahead
As Auracast™ adoption continues to grow across consumer devices and public venues, Baycourt is well positioned to support future audience needs. Retaining the T‑Coil system alongside its Auracast™ system ensures a smooth transition period while expanding accessibility options.
Looking forward, the deployment reflects Baycourt’s broader mission: embracing technologies that enhance inclusivity, improve audience experiences, and ensure the arts remain accessible to everyone who walks through its doors.
Learn more about Auracast™
Register your Auracast™ location
