First seat installed at new One New Zealand Stadium

The first seat has been installed at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha and in a recent video, Christchurch City Council Project Director Kent Summerfield says having the first seat in place is “a major milestone moment” for the project.

Summerfield notes “Installation of the seating is one of our key remaining workstreams and we expect the last seat to be in place late this year.”

The seats feature a kowhaiwhai pattern created by local visual artist and graphic designer Morgan Darlison (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Porou, Tainui).

“The seats will be black and grey and form a pattern inspired by the hammerhead shark,” advised Summerfield.

The hammerhead shark represents strength, tenacity, speed and agility.

The stadium has a total seated capacity of 30,000, with 25,000 permanent seats, plus 5,000 more seats able to be added to a temporary stand at the northern end.

Another focus area for the project is the roof installation. The stadium will be covered, with much of the roof made of a clear material called Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), which is installed in two layers.

Summerfield adds “these works are progressing well, with the solid portion of the roof to the south almost complete and installation of the clear plastic product commencing this month.

“These layers form an air cushion which helps keep the bad weather out and, crucially, allows natural daylight through to support the turf growth.”

The stadium lighting has also been installed in the roof structure.

“After a month of hitting some major targets on site, we remain on track for an opening in April 2026 and within budget,” continued Summerfield.