Six months to go for new stadium

With six months until the city’s new stadium opens its doors, the roof is finished, and the landscaping works are coming along in leaps and bounds.

Christchurch City Council Project Director Kent Summerfield says the last section of roof was installed late last month, and the team is preparing for the next phase of landscaping.

“With the planting, lighting, pathways, and exterior stairs well advanced, we’re ready to connect the grounds to the surrounding footpaths and complete the precinct.

“To do this, we must first take down the perimeter fencing. Temporary fences will be placed in the road to allow our contractors to safely asphalt the footpaths and tie everything together.”

Asphalting work starts next week on Barbadoes Street, Tuam Street and Madras Street, and is expected to finish in December.

Inside the stadium, the seating bowl is coming together.

“The team has installed around 18 kilometres of railing for the 25,000 permanent seats. We’ve also got all the handrails and safety barriers in place,” says Mr Summerfield.

One NZ Stadium will have 25,000 permanent seats, with an additional temporary stand of 5,000.

“Several large sections of seating have now been installed, and you can see the kowhaiwhai pattern starting to take shape,” says Mr Summerfield.

The video also provides an update on the field of play. A sand layer is being added at the south end and subgrade at the north.

The turf has been growing offsite since March and will be transported to the stadium and unrolled during the summer.

Major works are on track to finish late this year. This includes the landscaping, seat installation, and fit-out of the stands.

“Next year, the focus will shift to establishing the turf, testing and commissioning, and staff training,” says Mr Summerfield.

The project remains on budget, with the stadium on track to open in April 2026.

For more information, visit tekahaproject.co.nz or sign up for the monthly newsletter.