Stadium Taranaki

After a two-year displacement, the Taranaki Rugby team’s unforgettable NPC final victory on the unfinished grounds of what was then Yarrow Stadium was a moment that will be etched in the community’s memory forever. That momentum carried into a bold redevelopment. Stadium Taranaki has not just been rebuilt; it has been reimagined, becoming a significant community hub as well as a premier sporting venue.

Prompted by the need for seismic strengthening after the Kaikōura earthquake, redevelopment began in 2019 and was delivered in stages. Brought on board by the Taranaki Regional Council, RCP provided Engineer to Contract and Project Management services overseeing the East and West Stand projects, lighting upgrades, and new turf. The East Stand, demolished and rebuilt due to poor ground conditions and weak foundations, now reflects a modern design that can cater to a diverse range of events and offers improved accessibility. The integration of cultural elements into the design has also reinforced the stadium’s connection with local iwi.

The West Stand now boasts improved ground stability with new steel beams and upgraded lighting. The lighting upgrade is particularly noteworthy, increasing brightness by 50% while reducing power consumption by 30%, underscoring the project’s commitment to sustainability. The main pitch, replaced with a hybrid turf system, offers a 15-year lifespan and greater flexibility, ensuring the stadium can host a variety of events with ease. The demolition of the East Stand also achieved an 82% material recovery rate, diverting 520 tonnes of steel and 1,850 tonnes of concrete from landfill.