One New Zealand winner of stadium naming rights race

Mayor Phil Mauger said the new stadium is a “huge step towards realising this [is the] world-class venue that our city has waited so long for.” Source: Joshua Hoehne on Unsplash.  

Ōtautahi’s soon to be infrastructural marvel has found a new name, as Te Kaha stadium will be dubbed ‘One New Zealand Stadium’ once construction has finished in 2026. 

The telecommunication company inked a 10-year deal to secure rights for the $683 million, 30,000 seat strong stadium, spanning from 2026-2036. 

Canta previously reported on the financial and cultural significance that Te Kaha will have on Christchurch, a sentiment not lost on One New Zealand’s CEO, Jason Paris. 

“Cantabrians have been waiting a long time for a world-class stadium, and this multi-use arena is certain to deliver,” Paris said in a media statement. 

“One New Zealand Stadium will bring the best music, live entertainment and sports, including the mighty Warriors, to Christchurch and we’re stoked to be the naming rights partner.”  

Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare confirmed that One NZ has the cities’ best interests at heart. She said a rigorous decision-making process took place, and as a result, One NZ understands what a privilege it is to be associated with the stadium. 

“Parties submitting tenders went through a formal selection process based on a set of weighted selection criteria. The preferred party was then selected with the required engagement with Council and Venues Ōtautahi Board approvals undertaken,” Harvie-Teare told Canta. 

“One New Zealand is not only committed to the region, but are connected with the profound meaning of this incredible venue for our city.”  

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger described the new partnership as one that is a “huge step towards realising this [is the] world-class venue that our city has waited so long for.”  

“We can’t wait to welcome artists, sporting fixtures and corporate events to One New Zealand Stadium, and to show the world that Christchurch is the sporting and events capital of New Zealand,” Mauger told media.   

However, even though the stadium will have One NZ as its’ official title, Harvie-Teare has firmly assured that the name Te Kaha will still be entrenched in the identity of the stadium.  

“While the name of the Stadium will now be One New Zealand Stadium, the whenua beneath the venue will remain Te Kaha and the whole Precinct will be known as Te Kaharoa, being the names gifted to the city by Ngai Tūāhuriri.”  

Harvie-Teare went on to further comment to Canta that the success of Te Kaha will be shared with the entire Christchurch community and beyond, in that how it will be a beacon for “pride, whanaungatanga, unity, belonging and cohesion for all”.  

Exciting times are in Ōtautahi’s future, as the delivery of a state-of-the-art stadium coupled with a groundbreaking partnership is only set to bring prosperity to the region.