Nottinghamshire's Abacus Lighting has supplied Trust Stadium Arena in Waitakere, Auckland with New Zealand's first based-hinged lighting columns as part of an iconic new floodlighting scheme at the famous sporting venue.

The floodlights were given the thumbs up as the New Zealand All Blacks enjoyed a special training session at the official opening last month. The stadium will be used for the 2011 Rugby World Cup and will host the All Blacks, Australia and England.

In fact, the England Rugby team has booked the whole venue - including the pitch; floodlights; gymnasium and physio' rooms - as the base for their World Cup campaign.

In a statement, Stadium Chief Executive Simon Wickham said: "The floodlights signify a commitment of the Waitakere City Stadium Trust to develop iconic versatile facilities appropriate for our community. It's great to have a New Zealand first using the latest lighting and construction technology to complete this project on budget and debt free."

Abacus's world-famous base hinged masts lower to ground level by use of a hydraulic tool for easy access and ongoing maintenance, ensuring no risk of working at height. They are specified in all types of sporting facilities as there is no need to drive access vehicles over the pitch, thereby ensuring it remains in tip top condition for the game.

Abacus's Export Director, John Anthony, said: "New Zealand is committed to developing health and safety measures and is introducing, wherever possible, ways of making maintenance safer and easier. Our base-hinged masts not only do just that, but also offer a competitive solution since there is no need to provide expensive and ugly fixed ladders to access the masts.

"There is also no need for the repetitive hiring of expensive hydraulic platforms to gain access to a rigid structure."

Abacus's Challenger 1® range of floodlights was chosen by the stadium because of the excellent beam control which directs light onto the playing area without overspill or light pollution.  This was an essential requirement on this project due to the stadium being situated within a residential area.

The main contractor for the project was the Fel Group, based in Auckland itself. John added:  "We were delighted to be chosen to work alongside the Fel Group on this project and believe this installation will serve as a forerunner for our future business prospects in New Zealand."