Te Kaha (stadium)

One New Zealand Stadium
Te Kaha
Interior of the stadium
Interactive map of One New Zealand Stadium
Full name
One New Zealand Stadium. (Official sponsorship name) Te Kaha. (Cultural name)
Address218 Madras Street
LocationChristchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand
Coordinates43°32′03″S 172°38′39″E / 43.5341°S 172.6442°E / -43.5341; 172.6442
OwnerChristchurch City Council
OperatorVenues Ōtautahi
Capacity
  • Sport: 25,000, expandable to 30,000
  • Concerts: 37,000 [1]
TypeIndoor grass arena
SurfaceInterchangeable
Record attendance
Field shape
Rectangular (interchangeable)
Construction
Groundbreaking8 April 2022 (2022-04-08)
Built2022–2026
Opened27 March 2026 (2026-03-27)
Cost
Estimated around NZD$683 million
ArchitectsPopulous and Warren and Mahoney
BuilderSouthbase Construction
Main contractor
BESIX Watpac
Tenants
Crusaders (Super Rugby) (2026–present)
Canterbury (NPC) (2026–present)
Matatū (Super Rugby Aupiki) (2026–present)
Website
onenewzealandstadium.co.nz
The CCDU Recovery Plan, with the designation for the stadium the large blue area right of centre

Te Kaha,[4][5] initially known as the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena[6] and currently known for sponsorship reasons as One New Zealand Stadium,[a] is a multi-use sports arena in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is bordered by Hereford, Madras, Tuam, and Barbadoes streets. The facility is a replacement for Lancaster Park, which was damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquake and demolished in 2019.

The stadium name Te Kaha means "the strength" in Māori[9] and was gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri (a local sub-tribe of Ngāi Tahu).[10][11] The name and the arena's architecture are intended to represent the strength and resilience of Canterbury and its people.[12][13] The land and stadium precinct are named Te Kaharoa, meaning "enduring strength".[14] The stadium is part of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan developed by the government in 2012. It was formally opened on 27 March 2026.[15]

Hardcopy of the July 2012 Christchurch Central Recovery Plan

Progress

After many years of discussion,[16] the city council confirmed a stadium investment case in December 2019 and the cabinet approved its funding contribution in March 2020.[17] Construction was hoped to be complete by late 2024.[17] On 22 July 2021, a majority of Christchurch City Council councillors made a preliminary decision to reduce the capacity to 25,000,[18] but councillors voted on 12 August 2021 to backtrack on that decision after it was revealed the 30,000-seat option would only cost an extra $50 million, rather than the $88 million councillors were originally advised of.[19] As of 2026, the stadium has 25,000 permanent seats with capacity for a further 5000 temporary seats, and has a maximum capacity of 37,000 for concerts.

Construction began in January 2023 and the stadium was opened on 27 March 2026.[20]

Timeline

2012

In July 2012, the Christchurch Central Development Unit released their 100-day blueprint also known as the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan. The plan included a new permanent 35,000-seat multi-purpose sports and entertainment venue as an anchor project within a scheme for a future city vision. The 6-hectare (15-acre) site is bounded by Tuam, Madras, Hereford and Barbadoes Streets. The Government took responsibility for acquiring the land needed for the stadium.

2017

The government Minister supporting Greater Christchurch Regeneration Nicky Wagner and Christchurch City Council published a "Pre-Feasibility Study" for a multi-use arena. This did not consider any options with 35,000 seats, due to the high cost, and the general consensus among stakeholders (except for New Zealand Rugby) was that that capacity was higher than Christchurch needed.[16]

2021

In March 2021, a consortium of businesses were confirmed as the successful tenderer for designing and building the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena. The group known as Kōtui is led by Australian-based stadium construction company BESIX Watpac and also includes the Christchurch-based Southbase Construction and Fulton Hogan, local seismic engineers Lewis Bradford, Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney, and global stadium design companies Populous and Mott MacDonald.[21]

The land that the stadium sits on was gifted the name Te Kaharoa ("enduring strength" in Māori) by the local hapū (sub-tribe) Ngāi Tūāhuriri in 2021.[22] The city's mayor Lianne Dalziel said that Te Kaharoa reflected Canterbury's "determination and fierce spirit".[22]

2022

The name of the stadium Te Kaha (meaning "the strength") was gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri;[10][11] the name Te Kaha replaced the name Canterbury Multi-Use Arena in January 2022.[23][5]

On 14 July, the Christchurch City Council voted to sign a $683 million contract to build Te Kaha.[24] This will require the council to invest an extra $150 million, which they plan to do by increasing rates. The $150m increase in costs in 2022 was blamed by councillors on the combined economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine and COVID-19 lockdowns in China.[25]

The council received 30,000 submissions about the stadium, with 77% being in favour.[26] Barry Bragg, the Te Kaha project delivery board chairman, said it was a fixed price contract, meaning that there will be no further increases of the cost of the project.

2024

In July, a sponsorship deal gave naming rights for 10 years to the telecommunications company One NZ. The stadium was given the sponsored name One New Zealand Stadium;[27] official sources often refer to it as One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, using both official names.[7][8][13]

2026

Interior during construction, September 2025

The official council opening event was on 27 March 2026, with the first events scheduled to take place in April 2026.

On 14 November 2025, it was announced that the New Zealand Warriors will continue their deal of playing one NRL match a year in Christchurch. The squad will face the North Queensland Cowboys on 21 June 2026.[28] Tickets sold out in 5 days with an expected crowd of 25,000. [29]

In December 2025, it was announced that the first concert to be held at the stadium would be Once in a Lifetime on 16 May 2026 which would feature full sets from Six60 and Synthony.[30]

On 17 March 2026, it was announced that British singer Robbie Williams would perform at the stadium on 28 November 2026 as part of the Britpop Tour. This is currently scheduled to be the first concert headlined by an international act to be held at the stadium.[31]

The stadium hosted its first major events in April 2026 with five Super Rugby Pacific matches played over ANZAC weekend, as the stadium took on the mantle of hosting Super Round from 2026 onwards.[32] Including all future interest on the $683 million construction contract, that the final bill to ratepayers is estimated to surpass NZ$1,000,000,000.[32]

Features

One New Zealand Stadium's design includes elements closely related to Canterbury and to elements of Māori culture.[13] Several features were conceived by the artist Morgan Darlison, appointed by Ngāi Tūāhuriri.[33] The seating bowl has a unique black-and-grey kowhaiwhai design inspired by the hammerhead shark "which represents strength, tenacity, speed and agility".[13][34] Darlison chose this for its visual impact, and she intended it as "[a] bit of inspiration for our performers and athletes".[34]

The stadium's steel outer façade represents the Canterbury landscape seen around the stadium, including the mountains, waterways, coast and food resources (mahika kai).[33] Warren and Mahoney wrote, "no matter where visitors stand, the façade will mirror the landscape behind it".[13] Other artworks depict the Māori creation story in the version of Ngāi Tahu (the main South Island tribe).[34]

Darilson also created the stadium's feature wallpaper in the west entrance. The hand-painted design was inspired by the story of Tāne and the separation of Ranginui and Papatuanuku, the sky father and earth mother in Māori mythology with a red colour inspired by the Christchurch sunset.[35]

One New Zealand Stadium's maximum capacity when hosting concerts will be 37,300.[36][37]

The stadium has a permanent roof 32 metres above ground level, made from steel and clad with thin ETFE plastic.[37][38][39]

Events

2026 Rugby League World Cup

In November 2025, the stadium was named as a venue for the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.[40]

DateCountryScoreCountryCompetitionAttendance
25 October 2026 New Zealand
–
 France2026 Women's World Cup
 New Zealand
–
 Cook Islands2026 Men's World Cup

Rugby union

In December 2025, it was announced that One New Zealand Stadium would play host to the All Blacks first home game of the new 2026 Nations Championship.[41] It was also announced that the Black Ferns would host their final game of the year in Christchurch.[42] In January 2026, it was announced that the British & Irish Lions Women would play the Black Ferns at the stadium in the final game of the 2027 British & Irish Lions Women's tour to New Zealand.[43]

In addition it will host the Super Round of the Super Rugby season with all 5 games during the round spread over one weekend, as well as all Crusaders home games moving forwards.[44]

Other sports

In addition to its regular rugby union fixtures, One New Zealand Stadium has played host to many other sports, including rugby league, motorsports, and football.

The stadium hosted the New Zealand Warriors in a sell-out NRL game of 24,365 in attendance, against the North Queensland Cowboys on 21 June 2026.[45] The game was won by the Warriors, 38–20.[46] Additionally, the All Whites will play at the stadium on 15 November 2026 in a two-match series against India. [47]

The stadium will also have the ability to have a motorcross arena, as it will host the final round of the FIM Supercross World Championship on 5 December 2026. [48]

Canterbury Rugby has also used the stadium for their Metro Premier Club Rugby Union finals, with both the women's and men's finals being held at the stadium yearly since 2026. [49]

New Zealand Football will also host the final of the Kate Sheppard Cup and Chatham Cup on the same day, 5 September 2026.[50]

Other sports fixtures

DateCompetitionSportTeamScoreTeamAttendance
21 June 2026NRLrugby league New Zealand Warriors
38–20
 North Queensland Cowboys24,365
26 July 2026Canterbury Metro Premier Womenrugby unionNew Zealand Linwood Rugby Club
17–13
New Zealand Christchurch Football Club3,500[b]
26 July 2026Canterbury Metro Premier Menrugby unionNew Zealand Linwood Rugby Club
27–29
New Zealand Marist Albion6,500[c]
5 September 2026Kate Sheppard CupfootballNew Zealand Cashmere Technical—New Zealand Eastern Suburbs
5 September 2026Chatham CupfootballNew Zealand Cashmere Technical —New Zealand Fencibles United
15 November 2026100 Years of Unity Through SportfootballNew Zealand New Zealand—India India

International rugby union fixtures

DateCountryScoreCountryCompetitionAttendance
4 July 2026 New Zealand
34–32
 France2026 Nations Championship29,152
31 October 2026 New Zealand
–
 France2026 WXV
25 September 2027 New Zealand
–
 British & Irish Lions2027 British & Irish Lions Women's tour to New Zealand

Super Round

DateTeamScoreTeamAttendance
24 April 2026New Zealand Crusaders
35–20
Australia NSW Waratahs25,237
25 April 2026New Zealand Hurricanes
45–12
Australia ACT Brumbies25,000+[d]
25 April 2026New Zealand Blues
36–33
Australia QLD Reds25,000+[e]
26 April 2026New Zealand Highlanders
27–17
New Zealand Moana Pasifika25,000+[f]
26 April 2026New Zealand Chiefs
42–22
Fiji Fijian Drua25,000+[g]

Concerts

DateEventHeadlinersSupportAttendance
16 May 2026Once In A LifetimeSix60, SynthonyKaylee Bell, Cassie Henderson, Castaway37,000+[h]
28 November 2026Britpop TourRobbie WilliamsDrax Project, The Lottery WinnersTBD
19 January 2027Take Cover TourFoo FightersDARTZ, SEEK HELP!TBD

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ Officially One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha[7][8]
  2. ↑ Estimate of 3000–4000 in attendance
  3. ↑ Estimate of 6000–7000 in attendance
  4. ↑ Tickets sold out but no exact figure provided
  5. ↑ Tickets sold out but no exact figure provided
  6. ↑ Tickets sold out but no exact figure provided
  7. ↑ Tickets sold out but no exact figure provided
  8. ↑ Tickets sold out but no exact figure provided

References

  1. ↑ Law, Tina (10 March 2026). "'Totally weird': Stadium's temporary seating plans surprise councillors". The Press.
  2. ↑ "All Blacks home Tests sell out across inaugural Nations Championship". www.allblacks.com. Retrieved 13 July 2026.
  3. ↑ "It's a sell-out: All tickets gone for inaugural Christchurch stadium gig". www.thepress.co.nz. Retrieved 17 May 2026.
  4. ↑ Wei Shao (12 August 2025). "What's taking shape inside Te Kaha". The Press.
  5. 1 2 Jean Edwards (12 September 2024). "Risk sponsor's name will dilute 'Te Kaha' stadium branding – experts". RNZ News.
  6. ↑ "Te Kaha Project: Progress and timelines". Christchurch City Council.
  7. 1 2 "One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha: Sustainability Report" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Te Kaha Project Delivery. 2024. Archived (PDF) from the original on 11 August 2025.
  8. 1 2 "Te Kaha project overview". Christchurch City Council. Archived from the original on 15 December 2025.
  9. ↑ "Te Kaha stadium, Christchurch". Design Engineers. Archived from the original on 14 October 2024.
  10. 1 2 "Te Kaha Project Delivery Ltd: Statement of intent" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. p. 8, 13. Retrieved 26 February 2026. Te Kaha and Te Kaharoa being the names gifted respectively for the arena and for the whenua [land] surrounding{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
  11. 1 2 "Planned $533m Christchurch stadium gets new name". Star News. 27 January 2022. Archived from the original on 27 January 2022.
  12. ↑ Lowcher, Jess (2023). "Fresh From The Field — Te Kaha". Design Assembly. Archived from the original on 4 September 2025.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 "One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha". Warren and Mahoney. Archived from the original on 18 January 2025.
  14. ↑ "Getting ready for Te Kaha" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. 2022. p. 4. Archived (PDF) from the original on 13 October 2022.
  15. ↑ "Christchurch's new One NZ Stadium officially opens under closed roof". The New Zealand Herald. 27 March 2026.
  16. 1 2 "Multi-Use Arena Pre-Feasibility Study: Christchurch" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Archived (PDF) from the original on 3 February 2018.
  17. 1 2 McDonald, Liz (2 March 2020). "Crown approves Christchurch stadium funding". Stuff. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  18. ↑ Clark, Hamish. "Design of new Christchurch indoor stadium confirmed with 25,000 seats". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  19. ↑ "30k seats for Christchurch stadium as decision overturned". Radio New Zealand. 12 August 2021. Archived from the original on 13 August 2021. Retrieved 13 August 2021.
  20. ↑ "Christchurch's new Te Kaha One New Zealand Stadium opens". RNZ. 27 March 2026. Retrieved 27 March 2026.
  21. ↑ "Kōtui Consortium to design and build Canterbury Multi-Use Arena". Newsline. Archived from the original on 14 August 2021. Retrieved 14 August 2021.
  22. 1 2 Steven Walton (9 December 2021). "Land for new Christchurch stadium to be named Te Kaharoa". Stuff. Archived from the original on 9 December 2021.
  23. ↑ Steven Walton (27 January 2022). "Out with the 'tongue twister'? Christchurch's $533m stadium to get new name". Stuff.
  24. ↑ Leask, Anna. "Watch live: It's going ahead! Christchurch council greenlights controversial multi-use stadium Te Kaha". The New Zealand Herald. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  25. ↑ Steven Walton (4 June 2022). "Why the Christchurch stadium budget exploded in just a matter of months". Stuff.
  26. ↑ Boswell, Ryan. "$683m Christchurch stadium gets go-ahead from city council". 1 News. Archived from the original on 14 July 2022. Retrieved 14 July 2022.
  27. ↑ "One New Zealand gets naming rights for new $683m Christchurch stadium". Radio New Zealand. 4 July 2024. Retrieved 7 July 2024.
  28. ↑ Sports Reporters, RNZ (14 November 2025). "NRL: Warriors to host Cowboys at new Christchurch stadium". RNZ. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  29. ↑ Becht, Richard. "One New Zealand Stadium sold out in just five days". New Zealand Warriors. Retrieved 20 May 2026.
  30. ↑ "Once In A Lifetime: SIX60 & SYNTHONY to Headline First Ever Concert at Christchurch's One NZ Stadium". New Zealand Music Commission. 4 December 2025. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  31. ↑ "Let Him Entertain You: Robbie Williams to 'christen' Christchurch's new stadium, play Auckland gig". The Press. 17 March 2026. Retrieved 17 March 2026.
  32. 1 2 Jacobs, Maxine (25 April 2026), "Christchurch stadium's final bill will top $1 billion", The Press, retrieved 25 April 2026
  33. 1 2 "One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha: Sustainability Report" (PDF). Christchurch City Council. Te Kaha Project Delivery. 2024. p. 28.
  34. 1 2 3 "Final look of stadium revealed". Newsline. Christchurch City Council. 29 October 2024. Archived from the original on 29 October 2024.
  35. ↑ "Cultural Narrative | One New Zealand". onenewzealandstadium.co.nz. Retrieved 27 August 2026.
  36. ↑ "Christchurch's new stadium a year out from completion". 1News. 14 April 2025.
  37. 1 2 "Celebrating sporting excellence in Christchurch, New Zealand". Mott MacDonald. Archived from the original on 12 July 2025.
  38. ↑ "More than half of the steel at Te Kaha installed". The Press. 20 September 2024.
  39. ↑ Jenny Barrett. "Countdown to Te Kaha: Christchurch's New Stadium Gears Up". CX Network.
  40. ↑ "'Amazing for Christchurch': Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns embrace World Cup homecoming". NZRL. 23 November 2025. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  41. ↑ "All Blacks to start 2026 in Christchurch as test venues confirmed". RNZ. 9 December 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  42. ↑ "Black Ferns set for trois-Test showdown as France returns to Aotearoa in 2026". All Blacks. 3 December 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  43. ↑ "Women's British and Irish Lions Tour 2027: Fixtures, schedule, venues for historic tour of New Zealand". Sky Sports. 21 January 2026. Retrieved 16 March 2026.
  44. ↑ "Super Rugby Pacific: Christchurch set to host Super Round in 2026 at Te Kaha". NZ Herald. 7 June 2025. Retrieved 13 March 2026.
  45. ↑ Becht, Richard. "One New Zealand Stadium sold out in just five days". One New Zealand Warriors. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  46. ↑ "Warriors v Cowboys – Round 16". NRL. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  47. ↑ "All Whites to Play Two-Match Series vs India at Home This November Including First Ever Game at One NZ Stadium". NZ Football. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  48. ↑ "One NZ Stadium to host FIM World Supercross Championship event in Christchurch". NZ Herald. 23 July 2026. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  49. ↑ Smith, Tony (27 July 2026). "Canterbury Rugby keen for more club games at One NZ Stadium after successful first finals day". The Press. Retrieved 27 July 2026.
  50. ↑ "Christchurch's One NZ Stadium to Host Historic Delivereasy Chatham Cup and Kate Sheppard Cup Finals". New Zealand Football. Retrieved 17 August 2026.
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