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Celebrating 30 Years of WE-EF Quality: Spotlight on Iconic New Zealand Projects
Words by: Elise Blight
As WE-EF celebrates 30 years of innovation and excellence, we take a moment to highlight the remarkable projects that have defined our journey in New Zealand.
Despite its compact size, New Zealand’s diverse landscapes—from rugged coastlines to temperate weather conditions—present unique challenges for lighting solutions. These environments demand durability and adaptability, and our projects across this beautiful country showcase WE-EF’s ability to deliver quality that stands the test of time.
New Zealand’s distinctive coastal and climatic conditions require lighting solutions that excel in performance and resilience. Our successful projects in this region underscore our commitment to overcoming these challenges with exceptional results. Here, we spotlight four notable projects where WE-EF’s luminaires have made a significant impact, reflecting our dedication to quality and innovation.
Auckland Quay: Illuminating a Vibrant Waterfront
Auckland Quay, with its dynamic urban setting, has long been a hub of activity in New Zealand’s largest city. In the early 2000s, installations of WE-EF’s HID FLC200s with snoots were pivotal in lighting this iconic waterfront area. These luminaires, while in older HID technology, were selected for their robustness and glare control and have provided reliable illumination while enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the quay. The HID FLC200s were crucial in balancing functionality with visual harmony, setting a standard for future waterfront lighting projects, and well and truly proving their ability to withstand the test of time!
University of Otago: Blending Heritage with Modernity
In 2016, the University of Otago embarked on a significant upgrade to its campus lighting, choosing WE-EF to meet its needs for both aesthetics and performance. The project involved the installation of a variety of WE-EF luminaires, including the ZA630 LED-FT street and area luminaires, ETC330-FS and ETC330-GB inground uplights, FLC100 and FLC200 HID projectors.
The challenge was to integrate modern LED technology while preserving the heritage charm of the university’s Castle Street and central walkway. With 54 ZA640 luminaires installed in Stage 1 and 10 in Stage 2, the goal was to provide safe and inviting passageways for students. The choice of 3000K LED lighting not only ensured energy efficiency but also complemented the heritage aesthetics. Despite logistical hurdles and competition from other brands, the result was a successful blend of tradition and innovation, enhancing the university’s campus environment.
Memorial Park, Wellington: A Tribute in Light
Wellington’s Memorial Park stands as a testament to New Zealand’s commitment to honouring its past. Completed in April 2015, this project transformed the area around the National War Memorial into a unified and respectful precinct. WE-EF’s PFL540 LED street and area luminaires played a pivotal role in this endeavour, providing durable and high-performance lighting essential for the park’s various features, including the Hall of Memories and ANZAC monuments.
With 84 PFL540 luminaires installed in multiple configurations, the project overcame challenges such as spill light and glare, ensuring compliance with stringent lighting standards. The use of LED technology not only provided high-quality illumination but also contributed to significant energy savings with dimming options that would also extend the life of the LEDs. The successful integration of custom-designed lighting solutions and rapid delivery highlighted WE-EF’s ability to meet complex project requirements and deliver exceptional results.
Additionally, the fact that the project is less than two kilometres from the ocean meant that combination of superior substrate (the <0.1% copper LM6 aluminium) and 5CE corrosion protection system, was an important determinant of WE-EF being specified due to its strong reputation for quality, longevity and lower maintenance requirements.
The MHL and WE-EF team stand very proud of projects like this that see the luminaires still in pristine condition as they approach 10 years installed, with plenty of life left in them yet!
In 2012, WE-EF’s ETC100 luminaires were chosen to illuminate the Christchurch Cathedral, an iconic heritage site. The challenge was to enhance the cathedral’s architectural beauty while maintaining the integrity of its historic character. The ETC100 inground uplights provided the perfect blend of performance and aesthetics, ensuring that the cathedral’s stunning details were showcased with clarity and elegance.
Celebrating a Cherished Partner: Mark Herring and the MHL Team
No discussion of WE-EF’s achievements in New Zealand would be complete without celebrating Mark Herring and his dedicated team at Mark Herring Lighting Ltd. (MHL). Since founding MHL in Christchurch in 1991, Mark has been a driving force behind WE-EF’s success in the region. His consultative approach, unwavering commitment to quality, and strong relationships with clients and his talented team, have been pivotal to the success of numerous landmark projects. The collaborative efforts between WE-EF and MHL have not only enhanced urban and public spaces but also strengthened our presence in New Zealand. We extend our deepest appreciation to Mark and the MHL family for their continued excellence and partnership.
A Legacy of Excellence
These projects not only highlight the versatility and reliability of WE-EF’s lighting solutions but also demonstrate our unwavering commitment to quality that stands the test of time. From enhancing the urban landscape of Auckland to honouring the past in Wellington, WE-EF continues to light the way with products that deliver exceptional performance and durability. As we celebrate 30 years of excellence, we look forward to continuing to illuminate spaces with the same passion and dedication that have defined our journey thus far.
Photography: Ina Parr fro WE-EF, WE-EF archive
