Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the honour was a proud moment for the city.
“Christchurch waited a long time for the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, and this recognition shows it was worth it,” he said.
“We’ve got a world-class venue, but more importantly we’ve got a place where Cantabrians can come together.”
The stadium’s transparent roof allows natural light to flood the venue. Photo / Anna Heath
Mauger said the recognition was especially meaningful as the stadium was “unmistakably Christchurch”.
“It’s a great acknowledgement of how far our city has come and where we’re heading.
”We always knew it would be something special, and it’s great to see the rest of the world thinking the same thing.”
Inside the Ōtautahi corporate lounge at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch. Photo / Alyse Wright
Designers Populous and Warren and Mahoney drew inspiration from Canterbury’s landscapes and cultural heritage.
Developed with Ngāi Tahu, the stadium is inspired by the story of Tāne separating Ranginui, the Sky Father, from Papatūānuku, the Earth Mother, bringing light and warmth into the world.
A transparent roof allows natural light to flood the stadium. Within the seating bowl, patterns are inspired by the mangōpare, or hammerhead shark, which symbolises strength, resilience and perseverance.
Attention to detail has extended to the playing surface, with the turf grown on the outskirts of Christchurch using a specialised seed blend.
Local visual artist and designer Morgan Darlison contributed artworks featured throughout the stadium and surrounding Te Kaharoa precinct.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger at the stadium during the construction phase. Photo / George Heard
Construction began in April 2022, making it the largest project undertaken by Christchurch City Council.
About 4000 people contributed to the build, delivering about 2.4 million work hours.
The venue has four changing rooms and dedicated warm-up areas, 23 private suites and a function space capable of hosting up to 900 people.