Final stage of Te Kaha Streets work to be decided

The $34 million Te Kaha Surrounding Streets package of works involves upgrading the water and transport networks that will serve One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, and support the growing neighbourhood in the south-east of the central city. 

The first two stages of work are currently underway. 

The Council applied for funding for a third stage of planned works and has since received advice from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) that the funding is unlikely to be granted through the National Land Transport Programme in the 2024-27 programme. 

Councillors will consider a report recommending that stage three proceeds as planned at their 6 November meeting. 

Read the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets – Construction Options report here. 

City Infrastructure General Manager Brent Smith says the third stage of works is “the final piece of the puzzle” to get the city ready for the new stadium. 

“While the Council has ringfenced the full $23 million needed for the transport elements of the project in its current Long Term Plan, we had hoped to receive some funding support for the transport improvements. 

“Without this, some future projects may need to be rescoped or deferred to balance the 0.06% rates impact,” says Mr Smith. 

Councillors will work through this as part of the ongoing Annual Plan process, if they decide to proceed with stage three. 

The report also outlines options to delay the stage three works until after the stadium opens or cancel them altogether. 

Stage three includes converting Lichfield Street east of the stadium to a two-way system, and Tuam Street to a one-way system, between Barbadoes Street and Fitzgerald Avenue.  

These two blocks include spaces for charter buses and rideshare services to support One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. 

Pedestrian and cycle improvements are also planned outside the Ara Institute of Canterbury campus on Madras Street.  

“The Madras Street upgrades have been in the works for a number of years and will improve safety for Ara students, as well as people travelling to and from the stadium via Moorhouse Ave,” says Mr Smith. 

If the staff recommendation is approved, stage three will proceed immediately. 

"We're working closely with our contractors to find the most efficient way of getting the job done. We're currently tracking well ahead of schedule and expect the bulk of works to be completed around mid-2025, with only minor works continuing into spring," says Mr Smith.

Learn more about the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project here, and sign up for text alerts about the works from contractors Isaac Construction.