Countdown: James Gough
The biggest show in town is nearly here.
When One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens for its forst big event over ANZAC weekend, it will mark more than the arrival of a new venue. It will signal a new chapter for Christchurch. One built on confidence, ambition, and a city stepping into its future.
To open with hosting the Super Round is the sort of statement Christchurch deserves – a major event across a weekend, a full house, and a central city alive with energy. The atmosphere and sense of occasion will make it one of those defining moments when, for so many of us, it all finally feels real.
I have always believed this stadium needed to be built once and built properly. When I was on Council, our battle not to downsize or down-spec what had been promised mattered. This was never just about a rugby ground. It was about retaining and attracting people to our city, backing ourselves, and building excitement in our future.
That future is bigger than the stadium itself. Great cities are shaped by the confidence they project and the experiences they create. They draw people in, support local business, and give a city its pulse.
We will be embracing all that energy at The Terrace too, with The Little Fiddle hosting a marquee Fanzone in The Terrace Piazza across the weekend as part of Speight’s 150th celebrations.
This is what momentum looks like. Let’s enjoy it, take pride in it, and then build on it!
