Central city  |  6 Jul 2022

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There is strong public support for increasing the budget for the multi-use arena, Te Kaha, initial analysis of the public submissions shows.

"We received about 30,500 submissions and the initial analysis that we have done shows 77 per cent support Christchurch City Council putting more money into the project,’’ says Council Research Analyst Aimee Martin.

“Eight per cent of the submitters have indicated they want the project paused and re-evaluated while 15 per cent say they want it stopped completely.

“The percentage split for each option and overall number of submissions could change slightly over the coming days as we have yet to complete the data cleanse that will remove any multiple submissions that individuals may have put in over the last 24 hours,’’ Ms Martin says.

The majority of the submissions – around 74 per cent – came from within the Christchurch district.

‘Our initial analysis shows some recurring themes in the comments. Submitters across the three options provided feedback on the financial implications and economic benefits of the project and investing an additional $150 million,'' says Ms Martin.

“Many provided feedback on financial contributions from neighbouring territorial authorities and the wider Canterbury region. There was also a range of feedback on the size and capacity of the arena, the need for a roof and other design features.’’

The 30,500 submissions is by far the biggest response that Council has had to a consultation in a decade, which shows the high level of public interest in the multi-use arena.

“We will analyse the submissions in more detail over the coming days and prepare a full report for the Council to help inform its decision-making on Thursday 14 July.’’

At the 14 July meeting, the Council will also get updated information from:

  • Te Kaha Project Delivery Limited on its efforts to secure a fixed price contract for the arena from its lead contractor BESIX Watpac.
  • Venues Ōtautahi on the key design features, economic impacts and the life cycle costs of the multi-use arena.

The reports for the Council meeting will be published on the Council’s Agendas and Minutes webpage on Tuesday 12 July.

The Council meeting will begin at 10am and will be live-streamed.