24 Jun 2024

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Work on essential water upgrades around Te Kaha, Canterbury’s Multi-Use Arena, will get underway in late July.

Te Kaha is located on the block bounded by Madras, Tuam, Barbadoes and Hereford streets in central Christchurch. 

The Council’s Acting General Manager City Infrastructure Brent Smith says contractors Isaac Construction have been appointed to carry out the works. 

“There’s a lot to do to get ready for Te Kaha opening in April 2026. We’re taking a staged approach, starting by upgrading the water supply and wastewater infrastructure around the arena on Lichfield, Madras and Barbadoes streets. Parts of the pipe network in the area are due for replacement and other elements are being upgraded to support Te Kaha,” says Mr Smith. 

The water network upgrades will cost around $11.4 million, and forms part of the overarching $34 million Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project. 

“The remaining transport stages of work will be scoped and scheduled progressively, as we get more clarity around potential central government funding later in the year,” says Mr Smith. 

Christchurch City Council has applied for funding from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) to support some of the roading elements of the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project. The funding decision was deferred by NZTA and is now expected in late 2024.  

“The three waters upgrades are included in existing Council budgets and won’t be affected either way by the NZTA decision,” says Mr Smith.  

The water upgrade work is expected to wrap up in early 2025. Some lane closures and night works will be required to deliver the work. People can sign up for text updates from Isaac Construction. 

“We’d like to thank everyone in advance for their patience while this project is delivered. The work will help pave the way for Te Kaha while future proofing the water infrastructure in the area for residents and businesses,” says Mr Smith. 

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

The project includes widening footpaths, slower speed limits, landscaping, pedestrian crossings and changing the travel direction of some streets, as well as upgrades to the water infrastructure.   

Learn more about the Te Kaha Surrounding Streets project here. 

Sign up to receive text notifications from the contractors here.