Vbase Rugby World Cup Statement
Wednesday 16 March 2010
Vbase has advised Rugby New Zealand 2011 Limited (RNZ2011) that while it may be possible to repair Stadium Christchurch
in time for it to host all seven Rugby World Cup matches scheduled for the city it is unable to provide the guarantee
required.
AMI Stadium was damaged by the 6.3 magnitude earthquake that struck Christchurch on 22 February. The playing turf
suffered extensive damage due to liquefaction and requires a full rebuild. There is repairable structural damage to the
Stadium itself while there has been superficial but very significant damage to fixtures and fittings.
Vbase Chief Executive Bryan Pearson advises that while preliminary consultant reports indicate it may be possible to
repair AMI Stadium in time for kick-off in September this does not provide for risks to occur nor any associated time
delays.
These risks include: the impact of ongoing aftershocks on the repair programme; the possibility of yet-to-be discovered
issues with the Stadium’s structure, ground stability and turf; and the complexity of undertaking the repair programme
alongside planned but not yet executed enhancements to the Stadium to meet RNZ2011 specifications.
Other risk-related issues include insurance, funding, availability of resources to complete the repair and timeliness of
consents required.
Vbase moved swiftly to scope damage to AMI Stadium after the earthquake and to determine the scale of repairs required
and timelines. It reconvened the Stadium Redevelopment Consulting Team to do this, including the main contractor
Fletcher Construction.
Mr Pearson says “despite our best efforts, the timeframes are just too tight for us to provide the guarantee required in
our contract with RNZ2011 that AMI Stadium will be ready on time.”
“This is disappointing for Vbase, the staff who have worked hard for two years to prepare for the event, Canterbury’s
rugby community and members of the public.”
Vbase remains committed to the Rugby World Cup and has offered its expertise to RNZ 2011.
Repair work will proceed at AMI Stadium with the aim to have it back in action for the 2012 rugby season. The Government
is funding the $4.1m restoration of the uninsured Stadium turf. Vbase thanks the Government for this support.
ENDS