PremiumOpinionOpinion byFran O'SullivanHead of Business·NZ Herald·19 Jun, 2026 09:00 PM6 mins to readHead of Business, NZME‌Christchurch's new stadium is not just a sporting asset it is helping to boost visitors to the city. Photo / John Davidson / www.photosport.nz.On a cold Christchurch evening this week, the city centre felt nothing like the former rebuild zone and more like a city that has finally rediscovered its confidence in spades.

Riverside Market was humming. Bars were packed. Hotels have been close to their capacity. Around major events, occupancy is pushing