17 Feb 2022

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The former chief executive of Ngai Tahu Property, David Kennedy, will lead the company overseeing the delivery of Te Kaha – Canterbury Multi-Use Arena.

Mr Kennedy has been appointed chief executive of Te Kaha Project Delivery Limited.

David Kennedy has been appointed chief executive of Te Kaha Project Delivery Limited.

He has extensive experience in stadia construction, having been the chief executive of the Eden Park Trust during the major rebuild of Eden Park before the 2011 Rugby World Cup. 

Te Kaha Project Delivery Board chair, Barry Bragg, says he is delighted to welcome Mr Kennedy to the position of chief exeuctive, which he will start immediately.

“David comes with a proven track record of delivering significant, high-profile projects, and has been heavily involved in many high-profile industry and community organisations,” says Mr Bragg.

“Securing someone of David’s calibre to lead the delivery of Te Kaha is a real coup, not only for the delivery organisation and its shareholder – Christchurch City Council – to deliver on our Statement of Intent, but for all Cantabrians, as we prepare for on-site early works to begin in late March.”

Mr Kennedy says he is excited to be appointed as head of the company overseeing the 30,000-seat covered multi-use arena.

“Te Kaha is going to be an iconic, wonderful asset, not just for Canterbury, but for all of New Zealand,” says Mr Kennedy.

“This is one of the largest development and construction projects in New Zealand. I want to ensure that Te Kaha is delivered successfully, and that it is enjoyed by Cantabrians and visitors to Christchurch alike.”

The Arena’s delivery company has legally changed its name from CMUA Project Delivery Ltd to Te Kaha Project Delivery Ltd, to reflect the new name gifted to the Arena from mana whenua Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

Christchurch City Council accepted the new name and approved the preliminary designs for the state-of-the-art arena in January 2022.

The consortium responsible for the delivery of the Pre Construction Services Agreement phase, Kōtui, will complete the developed design by April 2022, in advance of the Council approving the designs in May 2022.