Stadium Taranaki

The redevelopment of Stadium Taranaki’s East Stand was driven by safety and resilience. The original stand was closed after being declared earthquake-prone, and its demolition in 2021 paved the way for a new structure designed to serve the region for decades to come.

The project delivered a completely rebuilt stand with deep structural foundations, modern facilities, and a flexible layout that supports both major sporting events and community use. Cultural narratives were woven into the design, ensuring the new venue reflects the identity and heritage of Taranaki.

Clelands Construction was engaged from the outset, contributing early input on design and buildability before leading the construction. The team worked through the challenges of a complex, live site to deliver a safe, high-quality facility that restores Stadium Taranaki as the region’s premier sporting venue.

During the East Stand project, Clelands were engaged as Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) partners. Their input during this phase was outstanding - constructive, practical, and always focused on delivering a high quality, buildable design. Their team contributed meaningfully to cost planning, buildability reviews, construction methodology and staging options.
Jendi Paterson, Stadium Taranaki Project Lead
Type
Commercial
Function
Sports Stadium
Construction Date
2025
Location
New Plymouth
Media
Our Project Story, Captured in Timelapse - Click Here
The new East Stand at Stadium Taranaki, designed with deep cultural grounding, reflects the flow of rivers from Maunga Taranaki and the still waters of Pouākai Tarns. Its patterns and form celebrate local identity while providing a modern, resilient venue for the community.

The Process

The redevelopment of Stadium Taranaki’s East Stand was one of the most significant construction projects in the region, requiring a contractor with both technical capability and the ability to collaborate effectively with multiple partners. Clelands Construction was engaged from the outset, first as ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) partners, then as the main contractor responsible for delivering the rebuild.

Through ECI, Clelands added value early, contributing to cost planning, buildability reviews, staging options, and construction methodologies. This proactive input ensured the new East Stand design was both practical and durable, setting the project on a path to success before work began onsite.

The new structure was founded on concrete reinforced piles up to 30 metres deep, addressing the geotechnical weaknesses that had plagued the previous stand. Working alongside Boon Architects, Ngāti Te Whiti, and cultural lead Kerehama Waru Te Pū, Clelands oversaw the delivery of a stand that not only meets modern performance standards but also embeds Taranaki’s cultural identity into its design.

Beyond the East Stand, Clelands’ role extended across the wider stadium redevelopment, including strengthening and re-roofing of the West Stand, installation of a new GrassMaster hybrid pitch, and upgrading to eco-friendly LED floodlighting. Throughout, Clelands coordinated multiple concurrent work packages and contractors on a live site, maintaining programme, quality, and safety. Their collaborative ethos and leadership were instrumental in ensuring the stadium was delivered to a high standard, restoring it as a safe, resilient, and culturally grounded venue for the Taranaki community

Clelands Construction have been an integral component and partner in the successful repair and rebuild project at Yarrow Stadium, New Plymouth. This is a complex $80m project spread over a number of years. As principal contractor, they have assisted us in the repair of the West Stand, the replacement of the main turf on the No.1 field, the replacement of the lighting and in the demolition of the old East Stand and then the design and build of the new East Stand.

Throughout this process they have been highly professional, cognisant of the pressures on the Council, and added-value to the delivered solutions.

I would recommend Clelands for any future project.
Mike Nield, Director-Corporate Services, Taranaki Regional Council
With its flexible design and modern facilities, the new East Stand at Stadium Taranaki is built not only for major sporting fixtures but also as a space the wider community can enjoy and be proud of.