One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is not only a sporting venue but a symbol of the region’s resilience and forward-thinking. The stadium stands as the first of its kind in New Zealand, fully enclosed to provide an exceptional experience for visitors. With a capacity of 25,000 permanent seats and an additional 5,000 temporary seats, it can accommodate up to 30,000 for field sport events and 36,000 people for concerts, making it one of the most versatile venues in the country.
The guest experience is at the heart of the stadium. The venue is designed to be inclusive, accessible and comfortable with exemplary food and beverage offerings, industry-leading seat design and a variety of spaces to encourage social gathering and connections.
The public realm surrounding the stadium includes a fan zone and community event spaces, promoting engagement with the local community and encouraging people to visit the area year-round, not just for major events. The stadium is also designed to be a catalyst for local businesses, with opportunities for collaborations and partnerships that showcase the best of Canterbury’s cuisine and culture.
These designs crystallise our vision for the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha to be the most modern, fit-for-purpose arena in the country – a facility that leads the way from an innovation and sustainability perspective.
One of the most significant elements of the stadium is its cultural connection to the land. While the venue will officially be known as One New Zealand Stadium, the land beneath it will retain the name Te Kaha, meaning enduring strength. This name, gifted by Ngāi Tūāhuriri, reflects both the region’s rich history and its future. The design incorporates elements of Māori culture, with visual artwork by Morgan Darlison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Tainui), which draws from the Māori creation narrative of Tāne and the separation of Ranginui (Sky) and Papātūānuku (Earth).
The stadium’s exterior features a unique steel façade, measuring 800 meters, 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 visitors stand, the façade will mirror the landscape behind it.
Inside, the seating bowl features a one-of-a-kind kowhaiwhai pattern inspired by the hammerhead shark (mangōpare) which represents strength, tenacity, speed and agility, designed to inspire performers and athletes using the stadium.
One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is set to become a landmark for the region, hosting unforgettable events and bringing people together in ways that go beyond the traditional stadium experience.
A beacon of sustainability, the venue is fully electric, with no gas on-site, and provisions are made for solar power and energy-efficient systems. The use of high-efficiency LED lighting for the sports field, natural daylight to support turf health, and low-GHG emission refrigerants all contribute to a greener, more sustainable facility. The stadium also includes cycle parking and is located just 400 meters from the bus exchange, making it highly accessible by public transport.
Not just a stadium, One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha is a symbol of the resilience and strength of the Canterbury region. It represents the courage of those who live and work in Waitaha and the unbreakable connections formed when communities come together.