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· Staff have been part of a working group on Event Traffic
Management Plans and since 2023. The group’s aim has been to develop
comprehensive traffic management plans and identify infrastructure needs to
support smooth event operations while minimising disruption to surrounding
areas.
· The group includes representatives from Venues Ōtautahi
(stadium operator), Emergency Services, public transport operators, NZ
Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Council project managers, and the Temporary
Traffic Management Team.
· The group also considered a study (Attachment A) by an
external consultant on the anticipated impacts of the stadium, including
opportunities to use permanent infrastructure improvements to reduce effects
on the wider city and implications for the venue operator’s operational
costs.
· In November 2025, Venues Ōtautahi submitted proposed traffic
management plans to Council that did not include road closures around the
stadium, instead relying on the permanent infrastructure delivered through
Council’s Te Kaha surrounding streets project. Attachemnt B
· In early 2026, a security assessment by New Zealand Police
recommended a shift in approach. In response, the venue operator has proposed
a more comprehensive traffic management methodology for events.
· In light of the Police recommendations, staff support this
approach as a fit-for-purpose solution that provides for safe and effective
access and egress for event attendees.
· Road closures for the first stadium event, the Super Rugby Super
Round, to be held from 24 to 26 April 2026 were considered and approved by
the Council Road Closure Subcommittee on 20 March 2026. These road closures
can be seen in Attachment C.
· As part of a broader travel demand strategy, a multi-agency
Communications Group has been established to ensure consistent and
coordinated messaging about transport impacts. The group is supporting
delivery of the Super Round by developing key messages, FAQs, and other
communications for a wide range of audiences, including attendees, visitors,
commuters, and central city residents and businesses. Members include
ChristchurchNZ, Venues Ōtautahi, Christchurch City Council, Environment
Canterbury, New Zealand Police, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Christchurch
Attractions, New Zealand Rugby, and the Crusaders. A similar approach was
successfully used for transport messaging during the SailGP events.
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