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The Sterling Kaiapoi - A Bettear Auracast Accessible Audio Case Study

At The Sterling, Kaiapoi, a new retirement village in Canterbury, New Zealand, a subtle audio upgrade is making a noticeable difference to everyday life. Regardless of hearing ability, residents can now enjoy clearer sound in shared spaces — whether watching a film, dining with friends, or attending events — in a way that feels natural, personal, and easy to use.

The Challenge

The village needed an assistive listening solution that would work reliably across multiple rooms, avoid frustrating dropouts, and be intuitive for both residents and staff. Traditional hearing loop or RF systems typically require significant infrastructure and longer setup times — not ideal for a new-build village with varied communal spaces.

The Solution

The new system, installed by Vega Global NZ using Bettear's Auracast™ solutions and supplied in New Zealand by JPRO, was designed with one goal: make sound easier to hear for everyone, without adding complexity. Audio is distributed across the village's cinema, lounge, restaurant, and multi-purpose spaces using Bettear B-CASTER-S streamers, connected via a streamlined, network-style setup.

"Compared to traditional hearing loop or RF systems, the process required less infrastructure and allowed for faster setup," says Craig Orr of Vega Global NZ.

The Results

Once live, the system's performance stood out immediately.

"What really stood out once it was up and running was how solid Bettear's Auracast™ signal is. Coverage was easy to tailor to each area and there were no noticeable weak spots. It just works consistently, which means people can move between spaces and still enjoy a clear listening experience without interruption."
— Craig Orr, Vega Global NZ

The installation was carried out by Vega Global NZ, with product and commissioning support provided by JPRO.

Looking Ahead

The system also future-proofs the village's accessibility offering. As more hearing aids and consumer devices become Auracast™-compatible, residents will increasingly be able to connect using their own technology — no additional hardware required.

Why It Matters for Venues Like Yours

At The Sterling, Kaiapoi, it comes back to something simple: being able to hear clearly wherever you are. As Auracast™ adoption grows, installations like this show what accessible audio can look like in practice — no extra effort, no complicated setup, just sound that fits quietly into everyday life.

This case study is based on original reporting by JPRO, NZ distributor of Bettear Auracast™ solutions, and is shared here with their permission. Read the original case study on the JPRO website

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