4 | Populous: One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha T T Karen Phelps Stadium on track for 2026 opening With a seating capacity of 30,000 for sporting events and up to 37,300 spectators at large concerts, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will be the country’s premier covered venue. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Construction of Christchurch City Council’s One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is progressing steadily towards its April 2026 completion date, with the primary roof and façade structure now erected. “We are approximately three quarters of the way through the build process with work now progressing on the roof,” says Andrew Rieper, Populous associate principal and architectural designer based in Christchurch. “From a sequencing point of view, we’re tracking nicely to have the building works completed by the end of the year, followed by commissioning before the first event.” Seating installation will commence shortly, giving shape to the venue’s bowl, which will feature a distinctive mangopare (hammerhead shark) pattern developed by local artist Morgan Darlison of Kaitiaki Studios. Populous and Warren and Mahoney provided the architectural designs for the $683 million project, led by BESIX Watpac. Andrew says the stadium is set to transform Christchurch into the cultural focal point of New Zealand’s South Island. With a seating capacity of 30,000 for sporting events (25,000 permanent and 5000 temporary seats) and capacity for up to 37,300 spectators at large concerts, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha will be the country’s premier covered venue. It is only the second venue in the Southern hemisphere to combine a fixed roof with natural turf. “It’s tricky to do in most parts of the world, but the New Zealand climate can make it work. The louvres on the building and bar grille shutters provide essential cross-ventilation to the field of play to allow for grass growth,” says Andrew. “As a covered venue, things like turf health and maintenance become easier, allowing for turf-based sports events all year round.” The project team has also addressed the unique challenge of designing for Christchurch’s seismic conditions, incorporating earthquake-mitigating technologies to ensure the venue can withstand activity both during construction and throughout the venue’s life. The project team has also incorporated sustainability features, including electric vehicle charging stations and over 20,000sqm of vegetation across the site, creating an urban forest for community use. Andrew says that One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is designed with flexibility in mind, and will b capable of hosting rugby union, football, rugby league, concerts and various other events. The venue will feature 32 food and beverage outlets showcasing local produce, three feature bars, 23 corporate suites and a large function lounge. “It will change the way sport and entertainment is seen in New Zealand, and perhaps attract bigger events to the country. “It will spur development around the city and venue,” says Andrew. The venue’s proximity to an international airport with large aircraft capacity makes it particularly attractive for big name concert acts.
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