Source: Kennards Hire
Forsyth Barr Stadium is taking a strong step towards making events more sensory-inclusive and enjoyable for everyone attending, by proudly unveiling the Kennards Hire Sound Sensitivity Station – the first of its kind at a major venue in the South Island. This initiative reflects the stadium’s ongoing commitment to creating a sensory-friendly environment for major events.
The new station at Forsyth Barr Stadium will be making its debut just in time for the action-packed Freestyle Kings Motorcross show on January 31, 2025. The station will provide free, self-service earplugs, enhancing the accessibility and enjoyment of sporting events, concerts, and other live events. To ensure prime accessibility, the station will be located on Level 2, as attendees exit the elevators and go through the doors to the concourse. It will be a permanent fixture at the stadium, restocked ahead of all major events.
Following the successful launch of the first Kennards Hire Sound Sensitivity Stations at Eden Park in March of last year, this new installation at Forsyth Barr Stadium marks another big step towards greater sensory inclusion for Kiwis attending major events. The Eden Park stations have already dispensed over 5,500 pairs of free earplugs since their launch, highlighting the importance, and popularity, of the service for people with sound sensitivity, as well the growing mainstream adoption of earplugs for hearing protection with all eventgoers.
Over-stimulation to noise, particularly in higher sound intensive areas of stadiums such as front-of-stage, is a common trigger for sound sensitive individuals. One survey among Kiwi adults found that 10% of its participants were moderately or highly sensitive to noise. Moreover, the overall prevalence of Auditory Processing Disorder (APD) among children – including heightened sensitivity to loud sounds – is estimated at 6.2%. By reducing the auditory impact, fans can more comfortably enjoy the full spectrum of events offered at the stadium.
The idea for these stations originated from the personal experiences of Kennards Hire team member and mum, Kimberley White, whose teenage son grappled with managing his sensitivity to sound when attending a major pop concert a couple years ago. This motivated Kimberley and the team at Kennards Hire to pursue a solution that would benefit others in similar situations.
Forsyth Barr Stadium Commercial Manager Rachael Jenkins said, “We are incredibly proud of our partnership with Kennards Hire in installing the new sound station at Forsyth Barr Stadium. It’s crucial for us to ensure that our attendees feel included and engaged when they visit our stadium. This collaboration is a step toward enhancing that experience, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for all.”
Kennards Hire New Zealand General Manager, Tom Kimber, also has personal experience with this initiative with his son, who is hyperreactive to sensory input. Tom expressed his pride at expanding the Sound Sensitivity initiative across the country, saying, “Having first-hand experience of the need for these inclusive services, I am delighted that we can continue to raise awareness and provide practical solutions. It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Forsyth Barr Stadium to make events more accessible to everyone attending.”
About Kennards Hire:
Kennards Hire is a family-owned and operated company that has been in the hire industry for 75 years, with over 200 sites and branches across New Zealand and Australia. Since 1948, its diverse product range extends from general hire equipment for the home renovator and professional tradesperson to specialist equipment and heavy machinery used on some of the largest civil infrastructure and commercial construction projects in two countries. Eden Park Icon Partner, Forsyth Barr Stadium Partner, proud member of Family Business New Zealand, Member of Hire Industry Association New Zealand, major supporter of KidsCan and Springboard Community Works. kennardshire.co.nz