Jackson Formwork played a critical role in delivering advanced architectural concrete formwork and custom formliner solutions for key elements of Auckland’s City Rail Link (CRL), working in close collaboration with Concretec, who manufactured the final precast panels.

Across multiple sites—including Maungawhau Station, Mercury Lane, and Beresford Square—our scope focused on translating complex artistic and architectural intent into buildable, repeatable concrete outcomes through precision engineering and CNC machining.

At the Maungawhau Station entrance, the feature waterwall stands as one of the most technically demanding elements. Designed by mana whenua artist Tessa Aroha Harris (Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki), the wall references the deity Matāoho and incorporates 53 cast glass inserts. Jackson developed high-resolution CNC-machined master tools and formliner systems to achieve consistent relief geometry, precise detailing, and seamless integration of embedded elements across large-scale panels.

At Mercury Lane, three Atua panels (approximately 3m x 9m) form a symbolic threshold to the station. Designed by artist Reuben Kirkwood (Ngāi Tai), the panels depict Ira Atua (celestial realm) and Ira Tangata (terrestrial realm). Our formliners were engineered to capture intricate surface patterns at scale, while maintaining durability and clean demoulding across multiple pours.

The Beresford Square ventilation structure, conceived as a kaitiaki (guardian), required a coordinated approach to both form and finish. Representing Te Pō (the darkness of the galaxy), the structure features darkened concrete, intersecting lashing details, and embedded bronze elements. Jackson’s formliner systems ensured accurate replication and alignment with adjacent architectural features, particularly the Mercury Lane panels.

Across all CRL packages, Jackson’s capabilities in 3D CAD modelling, material selection, CNC machining, and master tool production enabled efficient, high-quality outcomes under demanding precast conditions. The result is a series of infrastructure elements that not only meet structural and performance requirements, but also deliver lasting cultural and visual impact.