The Viaduct Events Centre, Wynyard Quarter, Auckland is a 6000m² multi-purpose event and conferencing facility located on the Halsey Wharf Extension. It contains three levels of function spaces, all with exterior decks, offering a flexible venue with the added bonus of views and engagement with the harbour activities of the Viaduct Basin. The aim of the project was to provide a much-needed conferencing facility for Auckland Council, encourage water-related events such as the Volvo Ocean Race to adopt Auckland, provide a home base for NZ Fashion Week, the Seafood Festival and art shows, as well as cater to the conferencing needs of Auckland. 

Moller Architects engaged Hale Manufacturing to manufacture and install the Freestyle 13 System in this prestigious building. The Freestyle 13 system was selected due to its clean lines, robust materials and low head room requirement, as it does not have a head rail. With the front panel support being fixed directly to the floor, this removes the need for pedestal supports, which also allows for ease of cleaning. 

The Viaduct Events Centre has now been operating since September 2011 for events such as the Rugby World Cup, Boat Show, Volvo Ocean Race, Fashion Week, Art Show and The Seafood Festival, as well as corporate events, conferences and dinner functions. It receives very positive feedback from users and the public, and has received an NZIA Public Architecture Award, NZIA Sustainable Architecture Award and Resene Colour Award in 2011.

The Hale Freestyle 13 partition system is an all-purpose, modern style system made of 13mm Compact Laminate — offering maximum resistance to graffiti, vandalism, water and impact. The system features an anodised load supporting custom skirt foot mounting, eliminating the need for a headrail and creating an uncluttered system with clean lines. Durable and a high grade solution, the Hale Freestyle 13 system is recommended for high or low abuse areas such as toilets and showers and can be hosed down for cleaning.

Compact Laminate panels have a black core that when machined, presents a distinctive black edge which requires no edge treatment, but oil will enhance the black edge, if preferred.

Laminex Compact is certified antimicrobial to JIS Z 2801:2001 and proven to prevent the growth of bacteria and fungi on the surface up to 99% within 24 hours. The antimicrobial properties introduce an additional layer of hygienic protection through the utilisation of the silver-ion. Silver technology is widely recognised as an efficient and safe anti-microbial treatment by providing protection against a wide range of bacteria, mould and fungi throughout the lifetime of the panel.

The Compact Laminate panels are 1800mm wide, eliminating the need for joints in most cases. The standard anodised load supporting custom skirt mount pedestals require a concrete floor for installation. Fixing the skirt mount pedestals to the concrete floor creates maximum rigidity of the system, ensuring minimal panel movement and eliminating the need for a headrail, for easy entry into and out of the cubicle and for an elegant and stylish finish.

Hale Manufacturing offers a 10 year guarantee on the panels and a two year guarantee on the hardware and installation. Recommended for use in both wet or dry areas, high or low abuse areas, the Hale Manufacturing Freestyle 13 Partition System is ideal for offices, restaurants and hotels.

The Hale Freestyle system is also available in 18mm Structuralboard for low abuse, dry areas such as toilets.