The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls will defend the Ranfurly Shield at the fully reopened Stadium Taranaki on 11 June – and fans can attend the match for free!

Taranaki Regional Council says the game will be a perfect showcase for the public to check out the new-look venue and it will mark the official opening of the stadium after its six-year redevelopment.

Free buses have been arranged to bring residents from south, coastal and central Taranaki to the match, which will see the Yarrows Taranaki Bulls take on King Country at 6pm.

Council Chair Craig Williamson says the game will be a milestone occasion and he hopes to see a huge crowd enjoy what will be the first of many big nights and events at the New Plymouth venue, previously known as Yarrow Stadium.

“Our mission when we kicked-off the redevelopment in 2019 was to build the best regional stadium in the country. We’ve now achieved that with a fantastic facility that the people of Taranaki can be rightly proud of,” says Mr Williamson.

“This free event is a way for the Taranaki public to come along and see the venue for themselves. We’re putting on buses too to help those who live further afield who want to watch the Amber & Blacks defend the Shield and see the completed stadium.

“It’s certainly the biggest infrastructure project Taranaki Regional Council has ever undertaken and we’re delighted to have created a multi-purpose facility capable of hosting local, regional and international sport and entertainment events and a venue that can be used by the whole community.”

Taranaki Rugby Football Union Chief Executive Jimmy Fastier said Stadium Taranaki is one of the best sports venues in the country, and a brand-new East Stand will only add to that.

“Every Amber & Black Ranfurly Shield defence is significant but Taranaki Rugby’s first fixture at a fully refurbished spiritual home makes for an extra special occasion on Wednesday June 11.

“We look forward to welcoming our Yarrows Taranaki Bulls fans, the local community and traveling King Country Rams supporters.”

NPDC Manager Venue and Events Chade Julie says: "This event officially kicks off a new era for Stadium Taranaki, making it a destination for everything from grassroots sports to major events and concerts.

“Having the first large event being a TRFU Ranfurly Shield defence is great for our local and wider Taranaki Communities. We encourage everyone to come experience the new stadium and join us in celebrating this milestone.”

Mr Williamson thanked the public for their support during the redevelopment project which was undertaken after the East and West Stand were found to be earthquake-prone in 2017 and 2018. Funding of $30m was received from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group (IRG) fund for the renovations.

“We would like to say a huge thank you to Clelands Construction and the many contractors for their work over the last six years, the three Taranaki district councils and to the Taranaki Rugby Football Union and other users who have been eagerly awaiting the full reopening.

“This project has been all about collaboration and we’re grateful for the continued support from Ngāti te Whiti whose contributions have been vital in giving the new East Stand its identify. Our relationship with Ngāti te Whiti has been strengthened by this project.”

Information on buses to the 11 June game has been revealed on the Council’s website and social media channels, including the Taranaki Public Transport Facebook page. Buses will be running from or stopping at Pātea, Ōpunake, Waitara, Urenui, Bell Block, Inglewood, Oākura, Ōkato, Stratford, Eltham and Hāwera.

The free game tickets and bus tickets are now available here. The presale for TRFU members will run for a week starting at 10am on 1 May with the public on-sale beginning at 10am on Thursday 8 May.

Stadium Taranaki: Fast facts

• The stadium is owned by Taranaki Regional Council via the Taranaki Stadium Trust.
• It is run by New Plymouth District Council.
• The final budget for the redevelopment of the stadium was $79.7m, with the final cost of the project expected to be under this.
• The total contribution by Taranaki ratepayers remains under $50m, the same amount approved in 2019 after the public consultation and engagement process.
• The Council secured $30m in funding from the Government’s Infrastructure Reference Group Fund.
• The development has included earthquake-strengthening to the West Stand and the addition of a new roof on this stand.
• The original East Stand could not be repaired so was demolished and a new stand has been constructed.
• The stadium's capacity is 22,000. There is scalability to take the capacity up to the same as the old stadium for major sporting events.
• The project has seen the installation of new ‘GrassMaster’ hybrid turf on the main field which has improved recovery times to enable more playing opportunities.
• The old lighting has been replaced with new eco-friendly LED floodlights which have increased illumination by 50% while reducing power by 30%.
• A community extravaganza is also taking place on 4 May, with the public invited to a free family fun day and tours of the new East Stand. For information on that event, see here.

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