1 00:00:06,667 --> 00:00:10,427 Speaker 1: You're listening to the Weekend Sport Podcast with Jason Vine 2 00:00:10,707 --> 00:00:11,747 Speaker 1: from newstalk ZEDB. 3 00:00:13,067 --> 00:00:16,507 Speaker 2: Just on twelve past two. Christ Church's new six hundred 4 00:00:16,547 --> 00:00:19,987 Speaker 2: and eighty three million dollar stadium, tech Kaha or one 5 00:00:20,027 --> 00:00:23,147 Speaker 2: New Zealand Stadium as it'll be known, is well and 6 00:00:23,267 --> 00:00:26,387 Speaker 2: truly taking shape. If you drive down Barbados Street towards 7 00:00:26,387 --> 00:00:30,147 Speaker 2: Morehouse av or up Madrath Street, you simply cannot miss it. 8 00:00:30,147 --> 00:00:34,507 Speaker 2: It's looking spectacular and I'm sure excitement is building for 9 00:00:34,667 --> 00:00:38,867 Speaker 2: its opening. Let's bring in Chief Executive of Venues or Tultahi, 10 00:00:38,947 --> 00:00:42,307 Speaker 2: Caroline Harvey. Tia Caroline, thanks for joining us. Are you 11 00:00:42,387 --> 00:00:45,667 Speaker 2: on target for your scheduled opening date next year? 12 00:00:46,387 --> 00:00:50,627 Speaker 3: We sure are yep April twenty twenty six, certainly about 13 00:00:50,667 --> 00:00:55,787 Speaker 3: four hundred and forty days away, which is approximately. 14 00:00:56,507 --> 00:00:59,507 Speaker 2: Spoken like somebody with a calendar on your wall that 15 00:00:59,507 --> 00:01:02,347 Speaker 2: you're ticking off the dates on. So it's been on 16 00:01:02,427 --> 00:01:04,787 Speaker 2: schedule the whole time. There have been no fishhooks on 17 00:01:04,827 --> 00:01:07,187 Speaker 2: the on the journey so far. Yeah. 18 00:01:07,227 --> 00:01:11,307 Speaker 3: Look, it's treading really really well. Obviously there's always things 19 00:01:11,307 --> 00:01:15,067 Speaker 3: that come along that the contractors had to shift things around, 20 00:01:15,107 --> 00:01:18,587 Speaker 3: but they've just been amazing so the big risky stuff 21 00:01:18,627 --> 00:01:21,467 Speaker 3: happening at the minute, which is building that roof. As 22 00:01:22,107 --> 00:01:26,467 Speaker 3: you've seen coming out of the ground. That's the biggest 23 00:01:26,507 --> 00:01:29,987 Speaker 3: risk in the program. And that's all tracking really really well. 24 00:01:30,107 --> 00:01:33,187 Speaker 3: So no, bring on Eightril twenty twenty six. We're really 25 00:01:33,227 --> 00:01:35,787 Speaker 3: comfortable that that date certainly on trap. 26 00:01:36,067 --> 00:01:39,507 Speaker 2: Have you decided what the first event there will be yet? 27 00:01:40,627 --> 00:01:43,747 Speaker 3: Oh, it's always the question, isn't it. Look what we're 28 00:01:43,787 --> 00:01:46,387 Speaker 3: doing actually is we're designing kind of a program of 29 00:01:46,427 --> 00:01:49,867 Speaker 3: events for that first for the three to six months. 30 00:01:50,187 --> 00:01:53,107 Speaker 3: And the reason why we're doing that is we kind 31 00:01:53,107 --> 00:01:56,347 Speaker 3: of want to do four main things. One is get 32 00:01:56,387 --> 00:01:58,947 Speaker 3: as many people in our community through that building. We've 33 00:01:58,947 --> 00:02:02,387 Speaker 3: waited a long time for this, and so that's probably 34 00:02:02,387 --> 00:02:05,027 Speaker 3: one of the most important things. We want to showcase 35 00:02:05,027 --> 00:02:08,107 Speaker 3: its diversity, so it's more you functionality. We want to 36 00:02:08,107 --> 00:02:10,227 Speaker 3: get as many global eyeballs on that, so we want 37 00:02:10,227 --> 00:02:13,707 Speaker 3: a lot of broadcast eyeballs on it. So that's Crusaders, 38 00:02:14,267 --> 00:02:16,427 Speaker 3: that's the phoenix. That's one New dn't worried is all 39 00:02:16,427 --> 00:02:18,867 Speaker 3: that guaranteed content that's already beer. And then we want 40 00:02:18,867 --> 00:02:21,947 Speaker 3: to drive visitation, so that's getting those major entertainment X 41 00:02:21,987 --> 00:02:24,507 Speaker 3: in there. So we've got a number of conversations happening 42 00:02:24,547 --> 00:02:27,907 Speaker 3: at the minute around what those big entertainment x could be. 43 00:02:29,107 --> 00:02:32,347 Speaker 3: We're not locking them in just yet. We've certainly got 44 00:02:32,387 --> 00:02:35,347 Speaker 3: a couple of very active conversations underway. 45 00:02:35,507 --> 00:02:38,347 Speaker 2: I bet you have. Are you planning any sort of 46 00:02:39,067 --> 00:02:42,547 Speaker 2: open day for Cantabrians or those from further afield to 47 00:02:43,347 --> 00:02:45,387 Speaker 2: wander through and have a lot not they can't just 48 00:02:45,427 --> 00:02:47,627 Speaker 2: wander anywhere, But have you got an open day of 49 00:02:47,907 --> 00:02:49,147 Speaker 2: any sort planned? 50 00:02:49,707 --> 00:02:51,947 Speaker 3: Yeah, that's definitely part of the plan. So we want 51 00:02:51,987 --> 00:02:54,347 Speaker 3: to get our community through to have a good look around. 52 00:02:55,147 --> 00:02:58,387 Speaker 3: That gives us a really good opportunity to test all 53 00:02:58,427 --> 00:03:00,667 Speaker 3: of the retail outlets and all of those things as well. 54 00:03:00,787 --> 00:03:03,627 Speaker 3: So you no, definitely more than one open day, that's 55 00:03:03,667 --> 00:03:04,067 Speaker 3: for sure. 56 00:03:04,347 --> 00:03:07,787 Speaker 2: Have you started talking to news Land Rugby about all 57 00:03:07,787 --> 00:03:09,347 Speaker 2: Blacks test matches next year? 58 00:03:10,427 --> 00:03:15,507 Speaker 3: Yep, that's those conversations have started absolutely. So. Look, we 59 00:03:15,587 --> 00:03:18,427 Speaker 3: haven't seen a schedule of matches, but what we really 60 00:03:18,467 --> 00:03:20,867 Speaker 3: want to do is we've not seen a lot of 61 00:03:20,907 --> 00:03:23,347 Speaker 3: all about rugby here in christ Shoots over the last 62 00:03:23,387 --> 00:03:26,547 Speaker 3: few years. I think we've had two and twelve years, 63 00:03:26,587 --> 00:03:29,267 Speaker 3: which is just not enough. So we can't wait for 64 00:03:29,907 --> 00:03:32,307 Speaker 3: to have the right actually here in christ shoot, so 65 00:03:32,387 --> 00:03:35,987 Speaker 3: we can see our wonderful all blacks here. So yep, 66 00:03:36,107 --> 00:03:39,987 Speaker 3: definitely some of those conversations very very active, and I 67 00:03:40,027 --> 00:03:41,947 Speaker 3: know that they can't wait to get under that road either. 68 00:03:42,147 --> 00:03:45,787 Speaker 2: Absolutely right. You'll go into a competitive bidding process, won't you? 69 00:03:45,867 --> 00:03:49,347 Speaker 2: With other New Zealand venues on sporting events and cultural events. 70 00:03:49,707 --> 00:03:53,867 Speaker 2: How confident are you that you'll be a really strong bidder, 71 00:03:53,907 --> 00:03:55,987 Speaker 2: if not the strongest bidder. 72 00:03:56,787 --> 00:04:00,187 Speaker 3: Yeah, Look, we're really confident. We're really lucky. We've got 73 00:04:01,467 --> 00:04:04,867 Speaker 3: we're going to have the most premium stadium in this country, 74 00:04:06,027 --> 00:04:09,627 Speaker 3: and it's not only going to be innovative in design, 75 00:04:09,747 --> 00:04:12,267 Speaker 3: but it's going to be really really uniquely local and 76 00:04:12,307 --> 00:04:15,427 Speaker 3: that's an awesome combination. But what we've also got is 77 00:04:15,507 --> 00:04:19,267 Speaker 3: city infrastructure to support high dictation. So we've got a 78 00:04:19,307 --> 00:04:23,187 Speaker 3: great international airport, we've got plenty of accommodation, and so 79 00:04:23,267 --> 00:04:26,787 Speaker 3: we're really well positioned to maximize this opportunity for our 80 00:04:26,787 --> 00:04:27,907 Speaker 3: city and about time. 81 00:04:28,907 --> 00:04:32,307 Speaker 2: Indeed, look I'm looking again, spoken like someone with four 82 00:04:32,387 --> 00:04:34,427 Speaker 2: hundred and forty days to tick off on her calendar. 83 00:04:35,307 --> 00:04:38,187 Speaker 2: Another part of it is it right in the city, Caroline. 84 00:04:38,427 --> 00:04:40,707 Speaker 2: I mean you simply cannot miss it as you as 85 00:04:40,707 --> 00:04:43,747 Speaker 2: I say, driving down Barbados or up Madras. It's just 86 00:04:43,987 --> 00:04:47,467 Speaker 2: rising right there in front of everybody. How how big 87 00:04:47,507 --> 00:04:49,867 Speaker 2: a feature is it that it is so. 88 00:04:49,667 --> 00:04:54,547 Speaker 3: Central, Oh, a huge feature. Obviously Lancaster part was really 89 00:04:54,627 --> 00:04:56,587 Speaker 3: well positioned, but it was a bit of a treat 90 00:04:56,667 --> 00:05:00,507 Speaker 3: walking from the central city out to Lancaster Park. But 91 00:05:01,027 --> 00:05:04,107 Speaker 3: this is right in the heart of the city, four 92 00:05:04,187 --> 00:05:07,147 Speaker 3: hundred meters from the bus interchange, will be less than 93 00:05:07,147 --> 00:05:10,707 Speaker 3: a cave from the terrace. So if you just imagine 94 00:05:10,747 --> 00:05:15,267 Speaker 3: that activity around the city, the ability just to walk 95 00:05:15,387 --> 00:05:17,627 Speaker 3: to the stadium, you get the lights, you get that 96 00:05:17,787 --> 00:05:21,267 Speaker 3: feeling of excitement as you walk towards the stadium, like 97 00:05:21,347 --> 00:05:24,827 Speaker 3: it just is perfectly positioned, and it will also activate 98 00:05:24,907 --> 00:05:26,547 Speaker 3: that part of the city as well. You know, that's 99 00:05:26,667 --> 00:05:28,707 Speaker 3: the eastern part of christ Huts that really needs it. 100 00:05:29,667 --> 00:05:31,267 Speaker 2: We're obviously a sports show, but I did want to 101 00:05:31,267 --> 00:05:35,347 Speaker 2: ask you about concerts because clearly they're part of what 102 00:05:35,467 --> 00:05:38,147 Speaker 2: DECA will be all about as well. Can you tell 103 00:05:38,227 --> 00:05:41,467 Speaker 2: us what you envisage the concert experience to be like 104 00:05:42,067 --> 00:05:43,707 Speaker 2: at the new venue? 105 00:05:44,067 --> 00:05:46,307 Speaker 3: Yeah, well, look, I mean, obviously having a road to 106 00:05:46,427 --> 00:05:50,307 Speaker 3: game changer. So look, it's going to be cold in 107 00:05:50,347 --> 00:05:52,187 Speaker 3: there when it's cold outside, and it'll be warm in 108 00:05:52,267 --> 00:05:53,947 Speaker 3: there when it's warm outside, but you're not going to 109 00:05:53,947 --> 00:05:56,867 Speaker 3: get rained on. It's not going to be windy, and 110 00:05:56,867 --> 00:05:59,227 Speaker 3: that not only for the guest experience is going to 111 00:05:59,307 --> 00:06:02,947 Speaker 3: change the game, but also for an artist performing and 112 00:06:03,027 --> 00:06:05,147 Speaker 3: for a promoter bring an artist here. You know, if 113 00:06:05,147 --> 00:06:09,347 Speaker 3: you think about you know, these Dalton John concerts for 114 00:06:09,387 --> 00:06:12,467 Speaker 3: example in Auckland, it was such a nightmare for that 115 00:06:12,587 --> 00:06:14,587 Speaker 3: city to miss out on that because of the weather. 116 00:06:14,747 --> 00:06:17,387 Speaker 3: So we're just not going to have those issues. So 117 00:06:17,467 --> 00:06:20,947 Speaker 3: the guest experience will be far enhanced. And the cool 118 00:06:20,987 --> 00:06:23,347 Speaker 3: thing about one New Zealand Stadium is we'll do large 119 00:06:23,387 --> 00:06:25,587 Speaker 3: concerts that around that, so that at thirty six maybe 120 00:06:25,627 --> 00:06:29,827 Speaker 3: pushing on forty thousand. But then there's also a smaller 121 00:06:29,827 --> 00:06:34,427 Speaker 3: concert mode which creates an arena style concert at the 122 00:06:34,467 --> 00:06:36,907 Speaker 3: southern end of the stadium, so will be the largest 123 00:06:36,947 --> 00:06:40,027 Speaker 3: indoor arena in New Zealand at fourteen fifteen thousand. 124 00:06:41,307 --> 00:06:44,787 Speaker 2: Incredible. And back to sport, how are your conversations with 125 00:06:45,227 --> 00:06:48,467 Speaker 2: the Crusaders. I get the feeling Colin Mansbridge will be 126 00:06:48,507 --> 00:06:51,467 Speaker 2: a guy you speak to fairly regularly because obviously they'll 127 00:06:51,667 --> 00:06:54,427 Speaker 2: have a new home at Takaha Oh. 128 00:06:54,467 --> 00:06:56,747 Speaker 3: I know they are so excited and we're so excited 129 00:06:56,787 --> 00:06:58,587 Speaker 3: to see them run out for the first time there. 130 00:06:58,667 --> 00:07:00,987 Speaker 3: They've waited a long time to have a home that 131 00:07:01,067 --> 00:07:04,587 Speaker 3: they didn't know to be the most successful super rugby 132 00:07:04,627 --> 00:07:09,227 Speaker 3: club two mile, they've had a temporary stadium and albeit 133 00:07:09,267 --> 00:07:11,987 Speaker 3: it's done with an absolute service over the years, it's 134 00:07:12,027 --> 00:07:17,307 Speaker 3: about time they had a venue fitting of their wonderful 135 00:07:17,387 --> 00:07:21,587 Speaker 3: kind of performance. So yeah, Collins pumped, the team's pumped. 136 00:07:21,627 --> 00:07:23,347 Speaker 3: We just can't wait to get in there. And we're 137 00:07:23,347 --> 00:07:25,707 Speaker 3: doing some different things around our partnership as well, which 138 00:07:25,707 --> 00:07:26,547 Speaker 3: is really exciting. 139 00:07:27,147 --> 00:07:29,787 Speaker 2: And as you mentioned, a temporary stadium has been has 140 00:07:29,827 --> 00:07:32,267 Speaker 2: been used in the meantime. There's a Phoenix game there 141 00:07:32,307 --> 00:07:35,827 Speaker 2: this afternoon at Apollo Projects Stadium out at Addington. What's 142 00:07:35,867 --> 00:07:37,267 Speaker 2: the future for that venue? 143 00:07:38,507 --> 00:07:43,307 Speaker 3: Look, it will be turning thirteen this year. We will 144 00:07:43,347 --> 00:07:46,827 Speaker 3: have a little thirteenth birthday celebration and it's as I said, 145 00:07:46,827 --> 00:07:50,027 Speaker 3: it's done as a service, but look that the intention 146 00:07:50,227 --> 00:07:53,187 Speaker 3: is that the stadium will no longer be being used. 147 00:07:53,507 --> 00:07:56,467 Speaker 3: It'll likely be decommissioned and the council will decide what 148 00:07:56,507 --> 00:07:59,707 Speaker 3: to do with the land. It's a great piece of 149 00:07:59,787 --> 00:08:02,707 Speaker 3: land obviously in a really good location. I'm sure it's 150 00:08:02,707 --> 00:08:05,307 Speaker 3: a value to our city. But yeah, I think we 151 00:08:05,427 --> 00:08:08,227 Speaker 3: will soon Whilst will cherish the memories of it, I 152 00:08:08,267 --> 00:08:10,827 Speaker 3: think we'll soon put it in the back of our 153 00:08:10,867 --> 00:08:12,987 Speaker 3: minds and enjoyed a new one. 154 00:08:12,507 --> 00:08:16,027 Speaker 2: Right, Okay, Carolina, Just to finish between now and the 155 00:08:16,027 --> 00:08:18,427 Speaker 2: opening in April of next year, what are the major landmarks. 156 00:08:18,427 --> 00:08:20,827 Speaker 2: What are the things that you know that I guess 157 00:08:21,107 --> 00:08:24,267 Speaker 2: you're looking forward to seeing ticked off ahead of the 158 00:08:24,267 --> 00:08:27,667 Speaker 2: grand opening in around fourteen months fifteen months time. 159 00:08:28,467 --> 00:08:31,987 Speaker 3: Yeah, Look, I think construction wise, getting that roof finished 160 00:08:32,747 --> 00:08:35,147 Speaker 3: is a major milestone that's coming up in the next 161 00:08:35,187 --> 00:08:38,027 Speaker 3: few months, and then obviously all that intern will fit 162 00:08:38,067 --> 00:08:41,227 Speaker 3: out and getting the turf started. But for us, we'll 163 00:08:41,267 --> 00:08:45,467 Speaker 3: go on sale for corporate hospitality in April, and that's 164 00:08:45,507 --> 00:08:47,907 Speaker 3: quite a bit milestone for us because obviously naming rights 165 00:08:47,947 --> 00:08:50,907 Speaker 3: was a big deal. We've done our page arrangements are 166 00:08:50,987 --> 00:08:54,387 Speaker 3: taketing and content and all those things, but getting corporate 167 00:08:54,427 --> 00:08:57,507 Speaker 3: hospitality on sale means that that's the first time people 168 00:08:57,547 --> 00:08:59,587 Speaker 3: in our community and outside of it can actually get 169 00:08:59,587 --> 00:09:02,547 Speaker 3: a piece of the pie, and we've got a really 170 00:09:02,587 --> 00:09:04,627 Speaker 3: high demand. I think we've got about three hundred on 171 00:09:04,667 --> 00:09:07,227 Speaker 3: a waiting list at the minute. That's just a sweet 172 00:09:07,387 --> 00:09:10,467 Speaker 3: So we've only got twenty three of those, so it's 173 00:09:10,747 --> 00:09:13,867 Speaker 3: a good problem to have. But yeah, so getting that 174 00:09:13,947 --> 00:09:17,787 Speaker 3: on sale and then obviously announcing those first events major 175 00:09:17,867 --> 00:09:21,867 Speaker 3: entertainment events, will be a big milestone as well. Yeah, 176 00:09:21,907 --> 00:09:24,307 Speaker 3: so lots to look forward to. But that four hundred 177 00:09:24,307 --> 00:09:26,107 Speaker 3: and forty days is going to go quite quickly, so 178 00:09:26,147 --> 00:09:26,987 Speaker 3: we've got treuy to do. 179 00:09:27,747 --> 00:09:30,387 Speaker 2: And will there be stadium memberships available? Can a person 180 00:09:30,427 --> 00:09:32,627 Speaker 2: buy a stadium membership? Will that be available? 181 00:09:33,427 --> 00:09:36,267 Speaker 3: Yeah, definitely. So obviously the Crusaders will have their membership, 182 00:09:36,987 --> 00:09:40,347 Speaker 3: and we'll have an integrated membership with the Crusaders, so 183 00:09:40,627 --> 00:09:42,307 Speaker 3: you'll be able to buy a membership that will have 184 00:09:42,347 --> 00:09:45,707 Speaker 3: guaranteed content for the likes of the Crusaders, can Ity Rugby, 185 00:09:45,827 --> 00:09:48,347 Speaker 3: one of Young Warriors, the Phoenix. All those partnerships have 186 00:09:48,387 --> 00:09:53,547 Speaker 3: got lockdown and then obviously the first option to purchase 187 00:09:53,587 --> 00:09:57,467 Speaker 3: for concerts and those things that aren't lockdown every year. 188 00:09:58,147 --> 00:10:00,307 Speaker 2: Excellent, Thanks so much for the update, Caroline. It's an 189 00:10:00,307 --> 00:10:03,427 Speaker 2: exciting time. I'm sure the days will at times go fast, 190 00:10:03,467 --> 00:10:06,187 Speaker 2: but at times will drag as we head towards April 191 00:10:06,387 --> 00:10:08,267 Speaker 2: next year. But can't wait to see it open. Thank 192 00:10:08,307 --> 00:10:10,667 Speaker 2: you for providing us with an update this afternoon. 193 00:10:11,147 --> 00:10:13,147 Speaker 3: No no worries, thank you, Thank. 194 00:10:12,987 --> 00:10:16,227 Speaker 2: You, Caroline. Caroline Harvey Tear, their chief executive of venues 195 00:10:16,427 --> 00:10:19,107 Speaker 2: or told Tahi anybody who comes to christ Here's these 196 00:10:19,187 --> 00:10:21,627 Speaker 2: days as a visitor and then comes back to wherever 197 00:10:21,627 --> 00:10:24,307 Speaker 2: they were from talks about Hey, I can see it, 198 00:10:24,387 --> 00:10:28,787 Speaker 2: I can see it. And for Cantabrians, you must just 199 00:10:28,947 --> 00:10:32,587 Speaker 2: be amped about this because it has been a very 200 00:10:32,667 --> 00:10:35,267 Speaker 2: long time. What did Caroline say, thirteen years? It is 201 00:10:35,307 --> 00:10:40,587 Speaker 2: you just work forwards, don't you? From twenty eleven as 202 00:10:40,627 --> 00:10:44,307 Speaker 2: to the lack of a decent sized venue in the 203 00:10:44,347 --> 00:10:47,307 Speaker 2: Garden City, great to know that, after all this time 204 00:10:47,347 --> 00:10:50,347 Speaker 2: and it has taken a while, that it is going 205 00:10:50,427 --> 00:10:53,907 Speaker 2: to be available for use from April of next year. 206 00:10:53,907 --> 00:10:56,027 Speaker 2: I just can't wait to see the All Blacks play there, 207 00:10:56,227 --> 00:10:59,627 Speaker 2: the Crusaders obviously, Phoenix, the Warriors and everything else that 208 00:10:59,667 --> 00:11:02,987 Speaker 2: gets scheduled in there. And that's just the sport, the 209 00:11:03,747 --> 00:11:07,987 Speaker 2: cultural events, concerts and such like. The fine folk of Canterbury. 210 00:11:07,987 --> 00:11:10,467 Speaker 2: Of it to wait far too long for this, so 211 00:11:10,547 --> 00:11:13,547 Speaker 2: good to know that it is only another four hundred 212 00:11:13,547 --> 00:11:16,547 Speaker 2: odd days to wait and you'll have your bright, shiny 213 00:11:16,707 --> 00:11:18,707 Speaker 2: new stadium in downtown christ Church. 214 00:11:19,427 --> 00:11:22,627 Speaker 1: For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine, listen live 215 00:11:22,747 --> 00:11:26,027 Speaker 1: to News Talk st B weekends from midday, or follow 216 00:11:26,067 --> 00:11:27,667 Speaker 1: the podcast on iHeartRadio