Sport & recreation  |  9 Dec 2025

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Parakiore is a step closer to opening to the public after a mihi whakatau and ribbon cutting ceremony was held this morning.

Located in Central Christchurch between Moorhouse Ave and St Asaph Street, Parakiore will open to the public on Wednesday 17 December at 5.30am.

Speaking at the formal event, Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said “Parakiore will stand for generations to come and be a place enjoyed by residents and visitors to our city alike.”

Ahead of opening to the public, Parakiore is one of six venues across Christchurch that will host the Special Olympics National Summer Games.

“I’m thrilled that we’re able to welcome Special Olympics to town. It’s been 20 years since we last hosted the event and it’s fantastic to be in a position again to provide top class facilities for the athletes. There’s so much excitement around the event and it’s fantastic to see,” Mayor Phil Mauger said.

The Games are the pinnacle event for athletes with an intellectual disability in New Zealand. The swimming and basketball events will be held at Parakiore 11 – 14 December.

“We’re fast cementing ourselves as the sporting and cultural capital of New Zealand. Parakiore is right in the heart of the city, with all the amazing attractions and activities that Christchurch has to offer right on the doorstep.

“Parakiore is a place for people to come together, play, train, challenge themselves, and above all – have a lot of fun,” Mayor Mauger said.

At 32,000 square metres, Parakiore is New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and aquatics facility. It includes a 50m competition pool, dive pool, five hydroslides, a large aquatic leisure zone and a Sensory Aqua Centre designed for inclusive participation.

There are nine indoor courts, including a three‑court Show Court with retractable grandstands for spectators, fitness and movement studios, and a High Performance Sport New Zealand training base.

Parakiore was built by Crown Infrastructure Delivery and is now owned and operated by the Council.

Learn more about what’s on offer at Parakiore on the Council’s website.