Te Kaha site blessed as first arena soil is turned

The soil has been turned and the site blessed ahead of early works starting on Te Kaha, Canterbury’s new multi-use arena.

“This is an important milestone and the start of a really exciting new chapter, both for Ōtautahi-Christchurch and for the Canterbury region,” says Christchurch Mayor, Lianne Dalziel.

“Te Kaha will be such an enabler for the future of our city and region. We are the sporting and events capital of New Zealand, and with this amazing new facility, we’ll be able to showcase to the world the very best of what we can offer.”

With a 30,000 seating capacity, the covered arena has been designed by the Kōtui consortium, led by international stadia experts, BESIX Watpac, and will be constructed on the large tract of land bordered by Madras, Hereford, Barbadoes and Tuam streets.

Located just six minutes from the Christchurch Bus Interchange, Te Kaha will be 232 metres long, 195 metres wide, and 47 metres high, with a minimum full concert capacity of 36,000 people. It will feature 23 corporate suites, 250m of food and beverage outlets, a 1150-square metre function lounge that’s capable of hosting a wide range of events, and 80 open corporate reserve seated areas.

Te Kaha Project Delivery Ltd Chief Executive, David Kennedy, says the Kōtui consortium will begin early works on Te Kaharoa’s site in the coming weeks, in preparation of construction commencing once the Council has approved the Design and Construction contract.

“With early works beginning on site imminently, the vision of an incredible multi-use arena is now coming to life,” Mr Kennedy says.

“The early works and ground preparation are being done in advance, in order to streamline the process and enable contractors to hit the ground with construction as soon as the Council approves the Design & Construction contract in August.”

Te Kaha is scheduled to open in 2025.

For more information and updates on Te Kaha, visit canterburyarena.co.nz