Media Release

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.