Country: New Zealand
Key Area: Buildings
Services: Research,Science and Technology Development

The Wellington rugby team is called the Hurricanes for good reason.  Wellington’s location means that it experiences higher-than-average national wind speeds. When the City Council decided to build a new sports stadium, it had to comply with some fairly stringent wind loads and provide a playing area with minimal effects from wind.  The Westpac Trust Stadium, opened in December 1999, is the first purpose-built multi-use sports stadium in New Zealand. The regional stadium is adjacent to the capital’s CBD and accommodates 34,500 people in a complete bowl set around a world- class playing field.

Holmes Consulting Group designed the structure to withstand the unusually high wind and seismic loads typical in New Zealand's capital city.  Opus Central Laboratories aerodynamics team played a major role in the design and testing of the stadium — particularly the roof.  The roof covers 70% of the seating area.  The design of the roof is a critical element, not only providing shelter to fans, but in reducing the wind on the field.  The total project value was NZ$50 million and opened on New Year’s Eve 1999.