The South Canterbury community is being asked to fund 10% of the $24.2 million Aorangi Stadium redevelopment.
The campaign was announced on Friday by the Aorangi Stadium fundraising committee and supported by the Aoraki Foundation.
The redevelopment is being led by the Timaru District Council with local contractor Thompson Construction and Engineering.
The current three-court stadium, opened in 1974 and last refurbished over 30 years ago, has already undergone structural strengthening as part of the development.
The second phase will deliver a new modern eight-court multi-use stadium designed to meet the sporting needs of South Canterbury for the next 50 years.
With a total project budget of $24.2m, the community is being asked to raise 10% — $2.4m — through grants, local donations, sponsorship and collective fundraising.
The campaign will run throughout 2026, with the goal of securing the full amount and having the new facility ready in time for the winter sports season of 2027.
Fundraising committee co-chair and Sport South Canterbury regional manager Shaun Campbell said the redevelopment represented a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
‘‘Aorangi Stadium has been the heart of indoor sport in South Canterbury for over 50 years.
‘‘This project will give our young people the kind of facility they deserve, a place to grow, to compete and to be proud of.
‘‘We’re asking the community to stand with us and help deliver something truly special.’’
Co-chair Abbie Ross, representing South Canterbury Basketball, said demand was growing rapidly across all indoor sports.
‘‘Participation has exploded, basketball, volleyball, netball, futsal, you name it.
‘‘We urgently need more space and this redevelopment will finally meet that demand.
‘‘Every family and every school that contributes becomes part of that story.’’
Leading the business fundraising is local real estate agent Riley Blackham, who said he jumped at the chance to support a development of this scale.
‘‘This campaign is about more than fundraising, it’s about pride.
‘‘When South Canterbury comes together, we get things done. CPlay, CBay and the MRI campaigns proved that.
‘‘Now it’s our turn to back Aorangi Stadium for the next generation.’’
Timaru District Mayor Nigel Bowen welcomed the launch of the campaign and acknowledged the essential role of local generosity.
‘‘Community fundraising is absolutely vital. It means we don’t just build a good facility, we build the best possible facility for our young people.
‘‘The more support we receive, the more features, flexibility and long-term value we can deliver for the district.’’
Thompson Construction and Engineering is making strong progress on site, with early works advancing well.
The new stadium will include:
- Eight full-sized wooden courts.
- One of the largest indoor sports floors in New Zealand a Spaces for national-level events.
- Modern changing rooms, community rooms, and training facilities.
- Improved accessibility and safety features.
- Future-proofed design to support decades of growth.
The redevelopment has already been recognised nationally, with South Island Secondary Schools Netball confirming it will host its 2027 tournament at the new venue.
The fundraising campaign is supported by the Aoraki Foundation, South Canterbury’s community foundation.
Chief executive Richard Spackman said the Foundation was proud to partner with the sporting codes and volunteers leading the campaign.
‘‘We have been involved in more than half a dozen largescale fundraising campaigns and bring experience and a trusted pair of hands to managing community contributions.
‘‘All donations over $5 will receive a charitable receipt, allowing donors to claim back up to 33% of their gift as a tax credit.’’
The committee is calling on the community to support the project as they have done with many others in the past.
Anyone can contribute — businesses, community groups, schools, families, and individuals right across South Canterbury.
There are naming-rights opportunities throughout the facility, along with a community sponsors’ wall. — Allied Media
