Multi-Use Arena land named Te Kaharoa

Christchurch City Councillors have accepted the name Te Kaharoa for the precinct that will contain the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena (CMUA).

Translating as ‘enduring strength’, Ngāi Tūāhuriri gifted the name for the land bounded by Madras, Hereford, Barbadoes and Tuam streets.

Mayor Lianne Dalziel says the name reflects Canterbury’s proven ability to come together and face challenges head on.

“The name Te Kaharoa represents Christchurch and Canterbury’s determination and fierce spirit, and the Kōtui consortium designing the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena will ensure the name is reflected with a resilient building that stands the test of time,” Mayor Dalziel says.

“With a 30,000 seating capacity for sports and up to 37,800 for music events, the CMUA will be future-proofed for generations and again establish our region as New Zealand’s sporting and cultural capital.”

The name-gifting won’t affect any conversations with potential sponsors seeking naming rights of the CMUA, as Te Kaharoa is the name gifted to the whenua (land) in and around the Arena.

Kōtui is working closely with mana whenua to agree on the most appropriate ways to express the cultural narrative in the design of the CMUA and the surrounding precinct.

At Thursday’s Council meeting, elected members accepted the CMUA Project Delivery Board’s Statement of Intent and agreed that the Board could act as an agent of the Council for the remainder of the current Pre Contract Services Agreement phase.

As a result the Board is able to approve expenditure, oversee service variations and scope changes, and recommend to the Council on how the Design and Construct contract is best delivered. Regular reporting to the Council and independent assurance processes will ensure the Council retains oversight of the Board’s actions.

The CMUA’s Preliminary Design will go to the Council for approval next month, with the Developed Design due in April 2022.