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The final portion of transport works around the city’s new stadium has received the go ahead.

The first stages of the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets water and roading upgrade project are currently underway. 

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

Today the Christchurch City Council voted to proceed with the stage three works, rather than wait for future NZTA funding to become available or cancel the last section of works altogether. 

Mayor Phil Mauger says it is essential to get all the right infrastructure in place ahead of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opening in April 2026. 

“We’re going to see thousands of people coming and going from the stadium, as well as a lot of development in this part of town over the coming years. 

“We want to make sure we cause as little disruption as possible for local businesses and residents, so that’s why it’s so important that we’re taking a dig once approach. At the same time, we want Christchurch to be seen to be the place to be for events and entertainment when the stadium opens in April 2026,” says Mayor Mauger. 

The elected Council will work through the impacts as part of the ongoing Annual Plan process. Some future projects may need to be rescoped or deferred to balance the 0.06% rates impact. 

The transport works approved today will start immediately and wrap up in mid-2025, alongside the stage two transport works. The stage one water works are on track to finish in early 2025. 

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 will also be made on Madras Street, outside the Ara Institute of Canterbury campus.   

The full $34 million Te Kaha Surrounding Streets package of work was approved by the Council in June 2023, after feedback from more than 1214 people and businesses were considered.    

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