How Tātaki Auckland Unlimited upgraded security at the Viaduct Events Centre with Protec2 CLIQ

The challenge: reset and rebuild

After five years as Team New Zealand’s base, the Viaduct Events Centre needed a full security refresh. The old system relied on mechanical keys. Many were untracked, some had been duplicated, and there was no way to know who had access.

Auckland Live, the division of Tātaki Auckland Unlimited responsible for managing the venue, needed a solution that met New Zealand’s Protective Security Requirements (PSR), could be managed remotely, and adapted easily to different events, risk levels, and user types.

The Viaduct Events Centre is a 6,000-square-metre venue used to host a wide range of private and public events. It’s part of a broader portfolio that includes the Aotea Centre, Civic Theatre, Auckland Town Hall, Bruce Mason Centre, and Queens Wharf. Any new system had to match the scale and complexity of operations across these sites, while delivering the flexibility needed for day-to-day event management.

The solution: CLIQ in action

Security consultant David Nielsen from SAARA led the site-wide review. “We needed a programmable locking system that could be managed off-site,” he says. “CLIQ gave us that, and more.”

Each key is factory-coded and registered. That means no duplicates, no guesswork, and no need to rekey once the CLIQ system is installed. Access rights can be added or removed in minutes.

Nielsen mapped out a detailed access matrix, matching lock types to risk levels. Mechanical locks were used for low-risk doors. Digital CLIQ cylinders were installed on high-use, high-security areas. “The hybrid capability is a big win,” he says. “One key works across both, which makes the system more cost-effective.”

Quick install. No rewiring. No disruption.

Armstrong Locksmiths handled the install. “We swapped out 69 cylinders in two days,” says Phil Gale. “You’re swapping cylinders, not doors, so there’s no drilling, no fire-rating issues, and no structural changes. The battery is in the key, so there’s no wiring either.”

Even the revolving and curtain doors were integrated. “Our electrician added a breaker to the existing key switch on the large curtain door. CLIQ handled it easily.”

As part of the CLIQ technology, two wall-mounted programming devices were installed. “Staff or contractors enter their PIN into the cabinet, retrieve a key, insert it into the programming device, and it updates access instantly,” says Gale.

Everyday use: simple, secure, flexible

For Venue Operations Coordinator Rudi Botha, the difference is clear. “Before, someone senior had to be on-site with a giant key ring,” he says. “Now, everyone has one key, programmed for just the spaces they need.”

Contractors request access remotely, receive a one-time PIN, and collect a pre-programmed key from the cabinet. “We know who took which key, and where it’s valid,” says Botha. “And we can revoke access instantly.”

High-risk areas, like the catwalk above the main event space, are tightly controlled. Only workers with the right clearance can access them, and only when needed.

Compliance built in

For Rachel Rust, Head of Security Planning and Projects, meeting PSR standards was essential. “We needed to protect people, assets, and information,” she says. “CLIQ gives us full oversight, audit logs, and no more issues with unauthorised duplicates. It’s also reduced our site management costs.”

Designed for buildings like this

“CLIQ was made for complex sites like the Viaduct Events Centre,” says ASSA ABLOY’s Mark Boswell. “You don’t need to rewire the building. Each key has both mechanical and electronic components, so you can mix and match depending on the risk.”

CLIQ Web Manager gives the team full control. It provides real-time access logs, encrypted data, and keys that can be set to expire daily, weekly, or monthly. “And because every key is factory-coded and registered, they can’t be copied,” says Boswell. “From a security and audit perspective, it’s a game-changer.”