Māori art touch One New Zealand Stadium opens

Image: Populous

The One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha (locality in Ōpōtiki District, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand) was officially opened by the Mayor of Christchurch Phil Mauger and the Prime Minister of New Zealand Christopher Luxon at a ceremony on a wet and stormy morning in New Zealand.

‘POPULOUS’ stated that Populous and Warren and Mahoney (WAM) led the architectural design bringing expertise in global stadium design to the NZ$683 million project and ensuring a fan experience that rivals any other venue across the world. The world-class multiuse stadium construction was led by Contractor BESIX Watpac.

The 30,000-capacity Te Kaha, initially known as the Canterbury Multi-Use Arena and currently known for sponsorship reasons as the One New Zealand Stadium, is a multiuse sports arena in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Populous is a global architectural and design practice with regional headquarters in Kansas City (US), London (UK) and Brisbane (Australia) specializing in the sports facilities, the arenas and the convention centers as well as in the planning and design of the major special events.

Auckland (New Zealand)-based Warren and Mahoney is an international practice of designers and architects who solve complex challenges to create enduring legacies for its clients. They seek out projects that matter with clients who are bold, future-focused and committed to driving positive change.

Image: Populous

With over a century of heritage in Australia, BESIX Watpac brings deep local knowledge, proven experience and trusted industry relationships to every project. Originating in Queensland (Australia) they have earned their reputation as a respected builder across Australia and New Zealand through every project they undertake and the passionate people who build them.

‘POPULOUS’ further stated that as the final piece in the rebuilding of Christchurch following the earthquakes that devastated the City in 2011 the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is a true multiuse facility designed to maximize year-round activation, from sporting fixtures to major concerts and everything in between.

Populous Senior Principal Josh Robson said Populous and the WAM design team took a performance-based approach working with the building scientists and the engineers to maximize the multiuse adaptability of the stadium.

Remarked Robson, “From studying the light, to using fluid dynamics to assess the air movement, acoustic modeling for reverberation and attenuation, and patron movement simulations to reduce the queue times, each layer was carefully balanced to deliver an exceptional fan experience.”

Image: Populous

 

Spectator Comfort

To further enhance the event day experience the architects designed the seating bowl to maximize the atmosphere by bringing the fans close to the action for both the sporting and the large concert events. Spectator comfort was also prioritized through the design of a permanently fixed roof so that it can be used throughout the year in all weather conditions.

Ordinarily, this would mean an artificial playing surface inside. However, having previously designed the world’s first permanently covered stadium with a natural grass playing field at the 36,000-seat Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin, New Zealand, Populous was able to bring this experience to the project.

Added Robson, “This knowledge was applied to the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. The fixed roof combines a lightweight structure with transparent Ethylene Tetraflouroethylene (ETFE) precisely calibrated to provide optimal natural light to sustain the living turf below while creating a bright, weather-protected environment that elevates every moment within.”

Commented Caroline Harvie-Teare, Venues Ōtautahi (the largest venue, event and culinary services management company in New Zealand) Chief Executive, “It’s incredible having a roof – it really does give us the ability to do things all year round.”

The stadium has capacity for more than 37,000 people at concerts, the ability to transform into a cut-down event mode and the flexibility to support a range of sporting and cultural events.

The venue is the largest construction project ever undertaken by the Christchurch City Council.

Maintained Mauger, “Christchurch has a real sense of momentum about it and the Te Kaha Project has played an important role in the long journey of the City’s rebuild. I am delighted that this day has finally arrived and we get to see this amazing stadium finished.”
 

Cultural Connection

Te Kaha is a shortened version of Te Kaharoa (meaning ‘enduring strength’) which is the name that Ngāi Tūāhuriri gifted to the land bounded by Madras, Hereford, Barbadoes, and Tuam Streets.

The stadium’s exterior features a unique steel façade measuring 800 meters with a design that reflects the Canterbury landscape including the iconic Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula, the Port Hills and the Southern Alps. This design creates a visual connection between the stadium and its surroundings. No matter where the visitors are viewing the building from externally the façade will mirror the landscape behind it.

Inside, the seating Bowl features a one-of-a-kind kowhaiwhai (painted ornamentation in Māori art typically made up of geometric swirls) pattern inspired by the hammerhead shark (mangōpare) which represents strength, tenacity, speed, and agility designed to inspire the performers and the athletes using the stadium.
 

Guest Experience

The guest experience is at the heart of the stadium. Populous Asia-Pacific (APAC) Director and Senior Principal Chris Paterson said the venue is designed to be inclusive, accessible and comfortable with exemplary food and beverage(F&B) offerings, industry-leading seat design and a variety of spaces to encourage the social gatherings and connections.

Pointed out Paterson, “It is far more than a stadium, it is a place where collective memory is made, where victories are shared, the artistes are celebrated, and the community gathers in moments of unity. As the final anchor project of the City’s rebuild we designed the stadium to embody resilience and renewal, standing as a physical expression of the region’s strength and optimism. In bringing the people together it reinforces the enduring connections between the people and the place and ensures the stadium belongs not just to the City but to its people.”

In this month of the project, system checks, turf care and staff training will continue ahead of the first event, the Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round which will be held from April 24^th-26^th, 2026.

Super Rugby is a Men’s professional rugby union club competition involving teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and the Pacific Islands.

The Super Rugby Pacific is an annual rugby union competition organized by South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina (SANZAAR) between teams from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, and a combined team from Samoa, Tonga and the other Pacific Island nations.

Sydney (Australia)-based South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina (SANZAAR) is the body which oversees Super Rugby and The Rugby Championship competitions in rugby union.

Continue to follow Coliseum for latest updates on venues business news. Coliseum is dedicated towards building the best global community of sports and entertainment venue executives and professionals creating better and more profitable venues.

Become a member of the only Global Sports Venue Alliance and connect with stadiums, arenas and experts from around the world. Apply for membership at coliseum-online.com/alliance and make use of the 365Coliseum Business.

• Tags »
• One New Zealand Stadium
• Populous

« Previous News: Hunt on for Maksimir Stadium design team
» Next News: Populous wins Moreton Bay design work