Featured image credit: One New Zealand
Telecommunications company One New Zealand has acquired naming rights to Te Kaha, a new stadium currently under construction in Christchurch.
The 10-year deal officially names the venue as One New Zealand Stadium until 2036. The stadium, which is scheduled to open in 2026, will be a fully covered 30,000-seat venue, with capacity to accommodate 36,000 fans for large concerts and events.
One New Zealand agreed the deal with Venues Ōtauhtahi, Christchurch City Council’s event management company.
One New Zealand also serves as the title sponsor of Auckland-based National Rugby League (NRL) team the Warriors. In November last year, the Warriors committed to playing an annual game in Christchurch, with the 2026 fixture to be played at Te Kaha.
Jason Paris, chief executive of One New Zealand, said: “One New Zealand Stadium will bring the best music, live entertainment and sports, including the mighty One New Zealand Warriors, to Christchurch and we’re stoked to be the naming-rights partner.
“Cantabrians have been waiting a long time for a world-class stadium, and this multi-use arena is certain to deliver. We’re proud of our existing long-term partnerships, whether it’s our 25-year longest in NRL history with the One New Zealand Warriors, or five years of music with Live Nation, and we believe the best partnerships are when both companies share a passion for truly delivering for their customers over the long term.”
Caroline Harvie-Teare, chief executive of Venues Ōtautahi, added: “While the name of the stadium will now be One New Zealand Stadium, the whenua (land) beneath the venue will remain Te Kaha and the whole precinct will be known as Te Kaharoa being the names gifted to the city by Ngai Tūāhuriri, that will carry the legacy of this important symbol of endurance and strength forever.”
One New Zealand Stadium is being built at a cost of NZ$683m (£328m/€387m/$418m). Last month, BESIX Watpac, the lead contractor for the project, announced that construction had reached the halfway point, with the venue on track to open in April 2026.
The stadium, which will be capable of hosting All Blacks matches, is seeking to fill the void left by Lancaster Park, which was forced to close after being damaged beyond repair following a 2011 earthquake in Christchurch.
Work commenced on the project in July 2022 after the council ratified the new NZ$683m budget. In April, project leaders announced that the stadium remained within budget and on track for its scheduled opening time.
For more insights into the stadium, read our October 2023 interview with Kent Summerfield, project director of delivery at Te Kaha.
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