One New Zealand Stadium is the premier and most accessible, inclusive, sustainable and flexible venue in Aotearoa.

OUR STORY

OUR STORY

OUR STORY

One New Zealand Stadium has ushered in a new era for stadium experience in Aotearoa. The Stadium is operated by Venues Ōtautahi.

For generations, Lancaster Park was the beating heart of Christchurch’s sporting spirit, a historic stadium that witnessed countless unforgettable moments in rugby, cricket, and community events.

It was a place where families, fans, and athletes came together to celebrate the game and the city’s passion. However, the devastating Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 brought an end to Lancaster Park’s long legacy, leaving a gap in the city’s sporting landscape. In response, Apollo Projects Stadium emerged as a vital interim home for Christchurch’s sports teams and events, keeping the city’s sporting heartbeat alive through resilience and community spirit. The temporary stadium was opened in 2012 with an expected lifespan of three to five years, but it would admirably serve the region for 14 years.

In 2020, the New Zealand Government and Christchurch City Council confirmed the build of a new state-of-the-art fully roofed stadium.

One New Zealand Stadium stands proud as a world-class, multi-purpose venue at the heart of Ōtautahi. Designed for inclusivity, sustainability, and unparalleled fan experiences, it carries forward Christchurch’s rich sporting heritage while offering state-of-the-art facilities for sport, entertainment, and community. One New Zealand Stadium is more than a venue, it’s a symbol of regeneration, pride, and the unbreakable spirit of Christchurch.

Read the cultural narrative

By the Numbers

Construction started on One New Zealand Stadium in 2022 and was completed in 2026.

  • A ceremonial opening was held on 27 March, 2026 with Dan Carter kicking the first kick over the posts.
  • The first business event was held at the stadium on 21 April
  • Super Rugby Pacific’s Super Round is the first major ticketed event at the stadium.
  • 25,000 permanent seats with the ability to increase to 30,000 with a temporary stand in the northern end of the stadium. 37,000 for concerts.
  • The roof structure is made up of over 80 steel modules, each weighing at least 75 tonnes.
  • The roof trusses at their lowest point are 32m, by comparison the lowest section of the roof at Forsyth Barr Stadium is 30m.
  • The fixed roof is made from lightweight, transparent ETFE (ethylene tetrafluoroethylene) cushions, designed to provide natural light for grass growth.
  • Approximately 16,400 tonnes of steel
  • 122,000 bolts
  • 600km of cabling
  • 5km of air-conditioning ducting
  • 22,000 sheets of drywall
  • 11,500 square metres of steel sheeting
  • 1,100 panes of glass.
  • Almost 4,000 people have worked on the project over the last three years, putting in around 2.4 million collective work hours.
  • Around 13,000 plants are included in the stadium precinct.
  • 1.2 hectares of turf were grown in a secret location in Christchurch in preparation for the stadium
  • The grass features three different varieties, but the exact makeup of the seed mixture remains secret.
  • The turf was harvested in rolls, each around 11 metres by 1.2 meters in size and weighing around 750kg. They were laid in December 2025.

Through purchasing from the people who come to and support the venues not only allows our guests to share and experience beverages from the region.

Helping to form that almost natural ecosystem of supporting our local suppliers who in turn support us by attending corporate events, tradeshows, or concerts.

VŌ is the only venue and event management company in Australasia that delivers its food and beverage services in house with all other companies contracting this core part of the business to third party catering service providers. This is a unique point of difference for VŌ.

Our Local Procurement Strategy was established in 2020 to focus on culinary innovation, reduce cost and control where products were sourced.

This change had a significant impact on the business. It has underpinned the company’s ethos and has delivered significant regional economic, as well as cost and revenue benefits. 

Championing Ōtautahi and sourcing local underpins VŌ’s approach to all procurement with 80% of food across the venue portfolio and 70% of all contractors and service providers sourced from Canterbury. This is a direct contribution each year of around $13m to local suppliers, producers, contractors and service providers.

With the addition of One New Zealand Stadium in 2026, it is expected this direct contribution through sourcing locally will increase to $30m each year. 

Championing Ōtautahi will continue to underpin the way the company does business throughout the course of this Statement of Intent and beyond. 

Venues Ōtautahi

Venues Ōtautahi

Ōtautahi’s venues are unique spaces for celebrating, connecting, and coming together. Explore our venues and see how you can host your next event in Christchurch.

STAY INFORMED & INSPIRED

STAY INFORMED & INSPIRED

Keep up to date with the latest stories from across Venues Ōtautahi's portfolio of venues.

From local news and updates to major event announcements, this section brings together the best of what’s happening around you.