Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has praised Christchurch’s new Te Kaha stadium, calling the covered arena “genuinely world class” and a critical asset for attracting major international events that will drive the local economy. During a one-on-one interview in the city, Mr Luxon championed the government’s investment in both infrastructure and major events, positioning it as a necessary step to remain competitive with Australia.
The Prime Minister, who grew up in Christchurch, expressed his excitement for the new 30,000-seat One New Zealand Stadium, which is set to become a focal point for sport and entertainment in the region. He reminisced about the city's previous rugby fortress, Lancaster Park, which was irreparably damaged in the 2011 earthquakes, noting the new venue would create lasting memories for a new generation.
The construction of Te Kaha has been a long and often contentious process for the city, but with its completion, leaders hope it will catalyse a new era of growth. Its permanent roof and intimate design are expected to create a unique atmosphere, a feature Mr Luxon believes will be a significant drawcard for both performers and fans. The Crusaders will face a new era in the stadium, with the guaranteed dry conditions changing the dynamics of home-ground advantage.
Competing for the big acts
Mr Luxon strongly defended the use of taxpayer money from the government’s Major Events Fund to secure international acts, citing the recent Robbie Williams concerts as a prime example of a successful investment. He argued that without government support and a top-tier venue, New Zealand would lose out on such opportunities.
As a boy that grew up in Christchurch and remembers lots of good things about Lancaster Park, it’s awesome to think there’s a whole new generation of Cantabrians and Kiwis that are going to have great memories at this place.
“Every time we have a live performance like Robbie Williams or anything else, that drives economic value back into the local economy,” Mr Luxon said. He dismissed concerns that this approach could lead to escalating demands from performers, stating that New Zealand had been “completely outplayed and outgunned” in previous years and needed to be more competitive.
“That is why many New Zealanders have said why can’t great bands come here, why can’t great events come here, and the answer is we haven’t been competitive enough,” he says. The government’s strategy is to create a strong pipeline of events to ensure a consistent economic boost for sectors that have struggled, particularly hospitality businesses impacted by the pandemic, recession, and inflation. The official New Zealand Major Events body, under the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, is tasked with attracting events that provide a significant return on investment.
A renewed focus on energy security
The Prime Minister also addressed the government's shift in energy policy, defending the decision to reopen New Zealand to oil and gas exploration, including potential sites in the Canterbury Basin. He described the move as a core policy designed to ensure energy security and avoid future crises.
“This has been our policy from day one,” Mr Luxon stated, criticising the previous government’s ban on exploration which he claimed resulted in an exodus of industry players and left the country vulnerable. “When our rivers aren’t full, when the sun doesn’t shine and when the wind doesn’t blow, we had an energy crisis. the problem was we had no gas to use.”
He framed natural gas as a necessary transition fuel for the next two decades as the country moves towards a cleaner energy future. Mr Luxon stressed that abundant and affordable energy underpins economic security. While acknowledging there is no guarantee that new exploration will yield significant finds, he insisted that securing the country's energy supply was paramount. This focus on long-term infrastructure planning mirrors challenges in other parts of the country, as the Auckland rail network faces major closures for its own critical upgrades.
Global tensions and fuel supply
Touching on global instability, particularly the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Mr Luxon acknowledged the widespread economic impact affecting all nations. He said his government’s primary responsibility is to manage New Zealand’s response and safeguard its interests, with a key focus on maintaining a stable fuel supply.
“We have to make sure we’ve got fuel supply in this country as our first line of effort,” he said, warning that a failure to do so “will really hurt jobs and incomes.” He reassured the public there was no immediate fuel shortage and no need to hoard petrol, but confirmed that officials are actively preparing for potential disruptions.
“It’s about making sure we don’t get to a point where critical services are affected,” Mr Luxon explained. “I can’t control that conflict, but I have to control New Zealand’s response.”
Christchurch a 'standout performer'
Concluding on a positive note, the Prime Minister singled out Christchurch and the Canterbury region as a “standout performer” in the national economy. He observed a palpable “sense of optimism” in the city, attributing it to strong leadership, strategic investment in infrastructure, and tangible growth.
This sentiment aligns with recent economic reports showing significant investment flowing into the region, further cementing its recovery and growth trajectory post-earthquake. ChristchurchNZ has recently highlighted major investment wins, painting a picture of a city on the rise.
“There is a sense of optimism in this city. You’ve got growth happening, strong leadership, and investment in infrastructure, and that’s really exciting,” Mr Luxon said.
