One New Zealand Stadium to be a hive of activity

One New Zealand Stadium to be a hive of activity

2 September 2025

Venues Ōtautahi is gearing up to host more than 180 private and business events per year at One New Zealand Stadium.

The Christchurch City Council-owned venue and events company, the operator of the Stadium which opens in April 2026, is expecting conferences, meetings, seminars, dinners, cocktail functions, and exhibitions to pack out the calendar.

Venues Ōtautahi Chief Executive Caroline Harvie-Teare said while much publicity had centred around ticketed events, the biggest number of bookings for the stadium’s spaces were expected to come from businesses, individuals and community groups.

“One New Zealand Stadium is purpose built to be the most accessible, flexible and sustainable venue in Aotearoa. Located right at the heart of Ōtautahi, Christchurch, it’s no surprise it’s already generating plenty of interest from events of all types and sizes,” she said.

“Being the premier stadium in the country, it is important that it is humming year-round. It has been designed as a multifunctional venue and every aspect of the layout and technology in each space ensuring no matter the event, One NZ Stadium delivers an unrivalled experience.”

The forecasted influx of private events will be nothing new for Venues Ōtautahi who also manage and own the Christchurch Town Hall and Wolfbrook Arena, and manage the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, Hagley Oval and Apollo Projects Stadium.

The company hosted 408 events in the last financial year (July 24-June 25).

General Manger, Commercial Danny Schroder said the stadium featured six spaces which could be activated for events.

“Whether it is a small meeting or a large event, the variety and flexibility of the spaces at One NZ Stadium means there is a perfect space for all events. It is a pretty special venue which will elevate any event. Our Business Events team have been fielding a large volume of enquiries from businesses and groups to lock in dates,” he said.

The Ōtautahi Lounge, is 1150 square metres and can host up to 892 people for a cocktail function and 520 for a banquet dinner. It includes a pre-function space in the foyer and an outdoor terrace with the potential to light up events with views of the big screens and the dual LED ribbon boards. For smaller events the lounge also has a divider allowing it to be split into two smaller spaces (Tahi and Rua).

The 23 suites on Level 2 provide perfect breakout rooms with capacities ranging from 24 to 74 people. The suites provide an intimate option for smaller events.

The Club on Level 3 is suitable for up to 500 people. The space includes views over Ōtautahi looking west over Madras Street and down to the field of play. It has its own feature bar, making it a perfect spot for cocktail functions.

The Lancaster, named after Lancaster Stadium, which was closed after the 2011 earthquake, is in the stage pocket at the northern end of the stadium. It provides a blank canvas and an open-air feel. Under the stadium’s clear roof, it’s a perfect spot for expos. It can also host up to 1360 people for banquet dinners and up to 2500 for cocktail functions.

For larger events, the Field of Play provides 10,660 square metres of open space, allowing banquet dinners for 5400 people or cocktail functions for 10,000.

The concourse is also available for event gatherings.

Venues Ōtautahi are focused on ensuring the service at the venue matched the lofty standards set by the stadium’s infrastructure.

“Our in-house catering team are preparing unique and exciting menus to showcase the best of Waitaha, Canterbury food and beverage. Every aspect of the experience at One NZ Stadium will be unmatched in the country.”

Further information about the spaces is available at https://www.onenewzealandstadium.co.nz/business-events