Christchurch’s resurgence following the earthquakes continues to take shape with the rise of Te Kaha, Canterbury’s Multi-Use Arena.

LPC has worked alongside local company Champion Freight to facilitate the transportation of steel for the stadium.

Dave Ireton, LPC Container Operations Manager, said the steel is fabricated in China and shipped on flat racks and inside standard containers.

Lyttelton is one of the last stops for the steel beams before they head through the Lyttelton Tunnel for the Champion Freight team to unload, store and package at their Woolston site before being trucked to the construction site.

“We are very proud to be playing a part in the construction of the new stadium, and our team work with Champion and the trucking firms to get the steel components off the vessels and to the construction site on schedule,” said Dave.

Champion Freight’s Managing Director, Hamish Gain, emphasised that the project is in its initial phases but anticipates its momentum will surge as construction advances. He expressed their commitment to transporting over 900 containers within 18 to 24 months.

Describing the challenges of the project, Hamish remarked, “efficiently stacking the steel in the yard to ensure its timely availability feels akin to assembling a complex jigsaw puzzle.”

Reflecting on the company’s roots, he added, “as a company that originated in Christchurch over two decades ago, it’s truly special for us to be a part of this project, which holds significant importance in the city’s rebuild,” says Hamish.

The 30,000-seat new stadium with a roof cover is located in the heart of Christchurch for $683 million.

The bowl’s structure steel construction with the western and southern stand is well underway and will hold tiered seats.

Oversized structural steel components will be delivered over the coming months, with the stadium due for completion in 2025.