One NZ Stadium in Christchurch has revised its traffic management plan following significant business losses during the venue’s initial events, introducing a tiered system that adjusts restrictions based on event size. The changes mark a shift from the original blanket road closures implemented after a police security review highlighted terrorism concerns.

The initial closures prompted strong criticism from local businesses near the stadium. On Tuam Street, Umesh Lathia, owner of Bombay Bazaar, reported a steep drop in event-day transactions—from several hundred to just about 22 during certain events. Andrew Brady, who runs Mediterranean Foods, described the closures as excessive, estimating a 20% decline in sales for April connected to the restrictions.

Venues Ōtautahi chief executive Caroline Harvie-Teare explained that the updated approach is based on detailed analysis of traffic patterns and community feedback gathered during the stadium’s opening events earlier this year. “Since opening, we have learned much about how people make their way to, from and around the venue, and how this differs between event type, timing, and attendance,” she said. Harvie-Teare also emphasized that safety considerations remain paramount despite efforts to reduce impacts on residents and businesses.

The revised traffic management plan employs a tiered system tied to expected attendance figures. Events with fewer than 8,000 attendees will operate without any traffic restrictions. Events drawing between 8,000 and 13,000 patrons, such as the Super Rugby Aupiki final which attracted just over 10,000 fans, will have event signage and minimal lane closures primarily for exit management. Mid-sized events hosting 13,000 to 20,000 spectators—like Canterbury’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) home games which have drawn between 16,000 and 19,000 attendees—will experience some lane reductions and have traffic management staff on standby.

For larger events with 20,000 to 30,000 people, including Crusaders matches, the plan calls for road closures resembling those used during the All Blacks test match earlier in the year. The highest tier, reserved for sold-out concerts and major events accommodating between 30,000 to 38,000 attendees such as the Once in a Lifetime concert, will continue to see the most significant road closures. These closures affect portions of Cashel, Lichfield, Tuam, High, Worcester, Barbadoes, and Madras Streets and can last from several hours before gate opening until late at night.

Central city councillor Jake McLellan, who has been liaising directly with Venues Ōtautahi on behalf of affected businesses, welcomed the revised traffic plan. “I’m pretty pleased to see a more sensible approach,” he said, while recognizing the severe impact the original restrictions had on local traders. McLellan acknowledged that prioritizing safety had been the correct initial response.

The tiered plan has already been implemented at three NPC games and the Super Rugby Aupiki final, all of which reportedly ran smoothly. Venues Ōtautahi continues to engage with the local business community through its Neighbours Forum to monitor the effects of the revised traffic arrangements. Attempts to obtain comment from Bombay Bazaar and Mediterranean Foods on the new plan were made but not immediately successful.