The one-year countdown is on for One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha
BESIX Watpac commenced construction of Christchurch City Council’s One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha in 2022, and the remarkable project remains on track to open its doors in April 2026, just one year from now.
Te Kaha Project CEO David Kennedy says it’s been a “mammoth effort to get the project to this point”.
“Lead contractor BESIX Watpac and all our subcontractors have pulled out all the stops, and we’re in a great position to not only deliver one of the biggest infrastructure projects the country has seen, but to deliver it on budget and on time.”
Mayor Phil Mauger says the milestone is “great for the project and the city”.
“There’s huge excitement in the community about One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha and all the benefits it will bring to Christchurch. People really can’t wait to get in there for big concerts, sports matches and everything in between,” Mr Mauger said.
BESIX Watpac Chief Executive Officer Mark Baker said strong collaboration with Christchurch City Council has been central to the success of the project.
“Entering into a strong partnership with Christchurch City Council from the earliest stages set up a collaborative tone that continues to drive this project’s success,” Mr Baker said.
“This is our first project in New Zealand, and we’re thrilled with the progress. It has been an opportunity to bring our stadium expertise to the country and demonstrate our commitment to delivering certainty on all our projects.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far and look forward to the next 12 months.”
BESIX Watpac General Manager – QLD, NT & NZ Wade Cummins commended the efforts of the delivery team.
“Our exceptional team has been instrumental in driving success. Their performance and commitment to time, cost, quality, and safety outcomes have placed the project in a strong position today,” Mr Cummins said.
“The project has demonstrated BESIX Watpac’s extensive expertise in stadium design and construction, successfully navigating the unique complexities associated with delivering world-class venues.”
The project has delivered significant benefits for the local economy, employing a 90% local workforce and partnering with 77% local businesses across New Zealand.
The state-of-the-art multi-use arena, located in central Christchurch, will accommodate 30,000 spectators for sports matches and up to 37,300 in concert mode.
The project has employed 2,780 people, including 116 subcontracts being let.
Looking ahead, the stadium is set to host matches for the Crusaders, Matatū, One New Zealand Warriors, and Wellington Phoenix, among others. It will also serve as the venue for Māia Health Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner next May.
As Christchurch approaches this momentous occasion, BESIX Watpac remains proud to play a role in delivering a transformative project that will leave a lasting legacy for the city and its people.
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