Venues Ōtautahi has big shopping list for All Blacks test

Christchurch’s events and venues’ company, Venues Ōtautahi is gearing up for a massive night when the All Blacks play Argentina in Christchurch on Saturday 27 August.

Catering for the crowd of 20,000 expected at Orangetheory Stadium takes precision planning to ensure fans are kept well fed and watered.

VŌ Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare says preparing for an All Blacks test is a big job and one her team is relishing after a six year absence from the city.

“It’s always special when the All Blacks are in town. Cantabrians love their rugby so it’s fantastic to once again play host to our national team – plus of course there are a number of Canterbury players in the side!”

It will be the first time the city has hosted the All Blacks since they played the Springboks here in September 2016.

“Given how long it’s been since their last appearance makes it extra special but also having that certainty of knowing Christchurch will be getting a new multi-use arena – it’s an exciting time.”

“We’ll need around 400 staff to run this event including 60 hosts and ticketing staff and 280 cooks and cashiers along with 45 staff for the corporate suites, ten chefs and six kitchenhands. It’s going to be a busy night!”

The quantities of food involved are staggering and brilliantly all are sourced locally: along with three tonnes of Canterbury potatoes to make the 8000 servings of hot chips, there’s 4000 pieces of southern blue whiting, 2000 hotdogs, 5000 chicken and chorizo empanadas, 1500 Angus beef burger patties and 1000 burger buns.

Those lucky enough to be upstairs in the corporate suites will be feasting on 400 litres of organic pumpkin soup, 350 duck breasts, 50 sides of Akaroa salmon, 300 kilos of beef rib, 1400 pickled cucumbers, 240kg of potatoes and 700 loaves of rīwai (potato) bread. They’ll also start the evening off with 2800 canapes.

Add to that 30,000 New Zealand beers and 20,000 pre-mixed drinks - and you’ve got enough to fuel a small army.

Ms Harvie-Teare says there is a flow-on effect to local business as VŌ procure over 80% of all food and beverage from the Canterbury region .

“Not only does that mean fresher quality and lower shipping costs it brings a direct economic benefit to the region and also our guests and clients get to experience the wonderful produce of our region which is a win-win for everyone.”