Construction of Christchurch’s landmark One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha has reached a major milestone, with just one year to go before the venue’s highly anticipated opening in April 2026.
The NZ$683 million project, led by BESIX Watpac for Christchurch City Council, remains on schedule and within budget, marking a significant achievement for one of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure developments.
Te Kaha Project CEO David Kennedy praised the collective effort behind the stadium’s progress.
“It’s been a mammoth effort to get the project to this point,” Kennedy said.
“Lead contractor BESIX Watpac and all our subcontractors have pulled out all the stops, and we’re in a great position to not only deliver one of the biggest infrastructure projects the country has seen, but to deliver it on budget and on time.”
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger highlighted the community’s anticipation as the stadium nears completion.
“There’s huge excitement in the community about One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha and all the benefits it will bring to Christchurch.
“People really can’t wait to get in there for big concerts, sports matches and everything in between,” Mauger said, calling the milestone “great for the project and the city”.
BESIX Watpac Chief Executive Officer Mark Baker credited the project’s success to its collaborative approach.
“Entering into a strong partnership with Christchurch City Council from the earliest stages set up a collaborative tone that continues to drive this project’s success,” Baker said.
“This is our first project in New Zealand, and we’re thrilled with the progress.
“It has been an opportunity to bring our stadium expertise to the country and demonstrate our commitment to delivering certainty on all our projects.
“I’m proud of what we’ve achieved so far and look forward to the next 12 months.”
The project has delivered significant benefits to the local economy, employing a 90 per cent local workforce and partnering with 77 per cent local businesses across New Zealand.
To date, 2,780 people have worked on the stadium, including 116 subcontracts awarded.
BESIX Watpac General Manager — QLD, NT & NZ Wade Cummins acknowledged the team’s dedication: “Our exceptional team has been instrumental in driving success.
“Their performance and commitment to time, cost, quality, and safety outcomes have placed the project in a strong position today.
“The project has demonstrated BESIX Watpac’s extensive expertise in stadium design and construction, successfully navigating the unique complexities associated with delivering world-class venues.”
Located in central Christchurch, the state-of-the-art arena will accommodate 30,000 spectators for sports matches and up to 37,300 in concert mode.
The stadium is set to host matches for the Crusaders, Matatū, One New Zealand Warriors, and Wellington Phoenix, as well as major entertainment events and the Māia Health Foundation’s annual fundraising dinner next May.
As the city approaches this momentous occasion, BESIX Watpac and its partners remain focused on delivering a transformative venue that promises to leave a lasting legacy for Christchurch and its people.
