{"id":635797,"date":"2026-10-20T01:06:12","date_gmt":"2026-10-20T01:06:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/635797\/"},"modified":"2026-10-20T01:06:12","modified_gmt":"2026-10-20T01:06:12","slug":"one-nz-stadium-named-one-of-the-worlds-most-beautiful-arenas","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/635797\/","title":{"rendered":"One NZ Stadium named \u2018one of the world\u2019s most beautiful arenas\u2019"},"content":{"rendered":"

Christchurch\u2019s new central city\u00a0stadium is one of just seven venues around the world to be recognised for its design and sustainability by UNESCO.<\/p>\n

One NZ Stadium has earned global acclaim at the Prix Versailles architectural awards for intelligent sustainability and for blending culture, architecture, and environmental thinking into its design.<\/p>\n

The venues\u00a0selected on the\u00a0Prix Versailles list\u00a0will go on to receive additional world titles for architecture, interior or exterior design at a ceremony at the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization\u2019s Paris headquarters\u00a0on\u00a0December 10.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Other stadiums around the world to be recognised by Prix Versailles in 2026. Image: Supplied <\/p>\n

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said \u201cthe honour is a proud moment for the city\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u201cChristchurch waited a long time for the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, and this recognition shows it was worth it.<\/p>\n

\u201cTo be named one of the world\u2019s most beautiful arenas is an incredible honour.\u201d<\/p>\n

One New Zealand Stadium opened in April, marking\u00a0a new chapter in Christchurch\u2019s re-emergence from the 2011 earthquake.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve got a world-class venue, but more importantly we\u2019ve got a place where Cantabrians can come together,\u201d\u00a0Mauger said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhether it\u2019s sport, music or a major event, and this award is recognition of that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo: CCC <\/p>\n

The 30,000-seat venue was designed by Populous and Warren and Mahoney. It combines striking architecture with a strong sense of place. The fixed transparent ETFE roof allows natural light to flood the stadium, while its design draws inspiration from Canterbury\u2019s landscapes and the rich cultural heritage.<\/p>\n

The stadium fa\u00e7ade reflects the mountains, waterways and changing seasonal colours of Canterbury. While within the seating bowl, patterns inspired by the mang\u014dpare, or hammerhead shark, symbolise strength, resilience and perseverance.<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo: CCC <\/p>\n

One New Zealand Stadium was developed in\u00a0partnership with Ng\u0101i Tahu and\u00a0the\u00a0design was also inspired by the ancestral story of T\u0101ne separating Ranginui, the Sky Father, from Papat\u016b\u0101nuku, the Earth Mother, to bring light and warmth into the world.<\/p>\n

Mauger said\u00a0the design\u00a0elements make the stadium unique.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat makes this recognition especially meaningful is that the stadium is unmistakably Christchurch,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a great acknowledgement of how far our city has come and where we\u2019re heading. We always knew it would be something special, and it\u2019s great to see the rest of the world thinking the same thing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"\"\"Photo: CCC <\/p>\n

Prix Versailles Secretary General J\u00e9r\u00f4me Gouadain said sports arenas are among the world\u2019s most important gathering places and increasingly reflect the identity, vibrancy and aspirations of the communities they serve.<\/p>\n

The awards celebrate intelligent sustainability, recognising projects where culture, architecture and environmental thinking come together to create places of lasting value.<\/p>\n

-Allied Media<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

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