The formalities took place in the gap between the east and west stands – the area that will be populated by temporary seating for All Blacks tests and a stage for concerts such as the Foo Fighters and Robbie Williams.
Anyone who is anyone was at the official opening of One New Zealand Stadium on Friday morning.
There was the Southbridge royal family of Crusaders and All Blacks legend Carter with his mum and dad – Bev and Nev.
There were politicians, of course. Some, like Gerry Brownlee and Megan Woods, have played a lead role in getting the stadium across the line. There were others who played no significant role whatsoever.
There were local councillors – some of whom were around for the dilly-dallying that led to the stadium formerly known as the Canterbury Multi-use Arena being delayed by about eight years and costs blowing out by hundreds of millions of dollars. The final bill was $683 million.
The northern end of One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch. Photo / Mike Thorpe
There was mana whenua of Ngāi Tūāhuriri, Bishop Peter Carrell, business heads, contractors and media.
Crusaders CEO Colin Mansbridge and Warriors CEO Cameron George were there. Both will watch their teams run out to sold-out crowds when they make their stadium debuts in the coming months. They haven’t been the best of friends lately. Another awkward parallel, one shares a sponsor with the stadium – the other is linked to that sponsor’s opposition.
George likens the stadium to Sydney’s flash new CommBank Stadium – only with a roof.
The last to arrive was Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. He was late but didn’t let his tardiness prevent him from slowly taking in the undercover wonders of One NZ Stadium as he ambled down the western touchline.
The wind outside blew with a ferocity that threatened to drown out the opening waiata by mana whenua. Carrell blessed the structure “within these walls, under this mighty roof”.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger was introduced to speak first. He looked genuinely surprised at the early invitation before delivering a quintessential Mauger-ism.
“Isn’t this grouse? Better than sliced bread!” he boasted in his own unmistakably unfiltered style.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger successfully untangles his mayoral chains, flanked by Dan Carter and Prime Minister Christopher Luxon. Photo / Mike Thorpe
Next up was Luxon, a proud Cantabrian who described the venue as “a dream we’ve all been waiting to see happen”. He praised the efforts of Brownlee, Woods and “the 4000 people and nearly 2.5 million working hours” that brought the dream to life.
Throughout the speeches, the gathered ministers, former ministers and councillors all took their turn to nod at appropriate times – some subtly, some vigorously. All with the furious agreement that occasions like this evoke. Even from some who shook their heads when the project was first mooted. Then the nodding stopped as all eyes were fixed on one of two big screens.
Simon Barnett appeared first in a cast of many well-known Canterbury identities.
“In 2011, we lost everything,” said Barnett.
“Not just our city – but our centre.”
The video was a slick production that centred around the message of “Welcome home”. As the clip ended, a sudden strong gust of wind rumbled outside with impeccable timing. A reminder of what crowds won’t be dealing with when the first event, rugby’s Super Round, kicks off in exactly four weeks.
The view from the southern stand of One New Zealand Stadium in Christchurch, which will host its first event next month. Photo / Mike Thorpe
The official opening came as Bev and Nev Carter held a ribbon across the northern goal posts and Mauger, Luxon and young Arahura, mokopuna of Ngāi Tūāhuriri Upoko Te Maire Tau, cut the ribbon into pieces. That was followed by Dan Carter ceremoniously christening the posts by slotting a goal from right in front and Mauger unsuccessfully attempting to catch the kick, while entangling his mayoral chains.
Everybody clapped before turning their attention to the catering.
Bev Carter (left), Phil Mauger, Arahura, Christopher Luxon and Neville Carter during the ribbon cutting at One NZ Stadium. Photo / Mike Thorpe
This is not the sort of venue that needs to distract you with crayfish rolls, chicken pretzel sliders, bolognese vol-au-vents, and macarons. But they did anyway.
Quality food is a theme at this stadium. Walking around the concourse in the post-opening tour, the food vendor signage is already up and some of Christchurch’s best-loved operators will be there.
If you’re in a corporate zone, you’ll experience live sport in a way that’s not been seen before in this country. A long and luxurious lounge that holds 850 people and leads out to a landing with a full view of the field. The West Stand is largely corporate and includes rows with beer fridges attached.
Another feature of the stadium, and I’m not sure if it’s permanent, is the 5G connectivity that picked up and sent a video of Dan Carter kicking the goal faster than I’ve ever seen.
Appropriate, perhaps, because One NZ Stadium is a month away from becoming the hottest spot in New Zealand entertainment.