This project will increase opportunities for young people, attract major events, and ensure Timaru has facilities that match the aspirations of our community. While funding is well advanced, we need to raise $2.4 million (10% of project cost) through community and corporate fundraising. The community fundraising campaign will run for 10 months, from March to December 2026, with a clear goal of securing the $2.4 million within that timeframe.

The redevelopment of the Aorangi Stadium is a $24.2 million investment in our community’s future. The Timaru District Council has committed the majority of the funding through prudent borrowing, and contributions have already been made by the Legacy Aoraki Stadium Trust. From the very beginning, the council set a target for at least 10% of the project cost to be raised through community fundraising. This reflects a long-standing tradition in South Canterbury. Major facilities like CBay and CPlay, were achieved through a blend of council and community support. The Aoraki Foundation also has a long and proud involvement as the fundraising partner for these projects.

The sporting codes have embraced this challenge, stepping up to lead the charge in raising funds. Their commitment demonstrates not only support for the new events centre itself, but also their dedication to ensuring this facility will serve the wider community for generations to come.

To complete the project, we need to raise a $2.4 million. This fundraising target is about more than money — it’s about community ownership.

Supporting local, building local

The Aorangi Stadium redevelopment is being delivered by Thompson Construction and Engineering, a proud South Canterbury company. By awarding this contract locally, we are:

• Keeping investment in our community

• Harnessing proven experience

• Building with pride

• Supporting local jobs & apprenticeships

• To ensure safety, quality & durability

• A facility designed for South Canterbury, built locally.

The new Aorangi Stadium will feature one of the largest wooden sports floors in New Zealand. This is more than a construction milestone — it reflects a commitment to building once and building right. By designing a facility of this scale, we’re ensuring it is not only fit for today’s needs but also sized for future growth, able to accommodate the increasing demand for basketball, netball, volleyball, futsal, and other indoor sports for decades to come.

By contributing, our community will:

• Reduce the burden on ratepayers by directly sharing in the cost.

• Show visible support, for a once in a generation project.

• Ensure the highest quality outcome, allowing for features like retractable seating, upgraded technology, and improved community spaces.

• Build pride and belonging, knowing this stadium was funded for the community,

• This is a chance for all of us - businesses, clubs, schools and families to leave our mark on a project that will serve South Canterbury for decades to come. Item description

$50,000 (can be over 3 years)

Included in this tier:

• 5 year naming rights for one of the eight new courts, including courtside floor decals

• 5 year prominent signage within the new eight-court stadium

• Acknowledgement in media publications

• Invitations to fundraising events and project milestones

• Permanent logo/name on supporters wall.

$30,000 (can be over 3 years) 

Included in this tier:

• 5 year “Silver tier” signage within the new eight-court stadium

• Acknowledgement in media publications

• Invitations to fundraising events and project milestones​

• Permanent logo/name on supporters wall.

$15,000 (can be over 3 years) 

Included in this tier:

• 5 year “Bronze tier” signage within the new eight-court stadium

• Invitations to fundraising events and project milestones

• Permanent logo/name on supporters wall.

$5,000 (can be over 3 years) 

Included in this tier:

• Invitations to fundraising events and project milestones

• Permanent logo/name on supporters wall.

Tier 1: $1,000+
Tier 2: $500+
Tier 3: $250+

Included in this tier:

• Name permanently displayed on the community wall (individual, family, school, or club).

• Special recognition for schools — the schools that raises the most (on a prorated basis) will receive the honour of being the first to use the new facility.