Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai to Play at Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — The Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai announced today that they will be relocating to the Parakiore Recreation and Sports Centre, effective for the 2026 Sal’s NBL season. 

“Not only will Parakiore host Rams & Pouākai games, it will become our home base as a club, which will greatly benefit Canterbury’s emerging players,” said Caleb Harrison, Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai GM. “Game days will be a unique local experience with a nod to the Rams of the past along with more of the global fan experience that you would experience at an NBA or college game in the United States. Fans can look forward to increased premium experiences, including the Lakers-style Hollywood seating and VIP Lounge which is inclusive of canapes and drinks service. This will be a sporting experience like no other with the offerings of an indoor sports event in the city centre and will contribute to the vibrant growth of inner city Christchurch.”

“We’re thrilled to welcome the Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai to Parakiore. Having the teams training and playing their home games here will be an inspiration for the next generation of players. Basketball is thriving across the country and it’s great to be able to offer top quality facilities in the heart of Christchurch for local athletes of all levels,” said Christchurch City Council Head of Recreation, Sport and Events Nigel Cox.

The Canterbury Rams have undergone significant development over the past 12 years during the time of Christchurch’s post-earthquake city rebuild. The Rams were re-established in 2014 to promote the growth of basketball throughout Canterbury, and more recently, the debut of the Mainland Pouākai in 2022 marked the arrival of the region’s professional women’s team, competing in the Tauihi Basketball Aotearoa competition.

“The Christchurch City Council has been fundamentally important to our revival as a club.  The move for us to Parakiore has come as a result of collaboration and partnership between CCC and our wider organisation,” added Harrison. “With the continued rise of basketball participation throughout the Canterbury region, having a hub in the city centre will allow increased basketball visibility and growth to promote continued participation as seen with current national and international trends for basketball”.

Through this partnership with Parakiore, the Canterbury Rams and Mainland Pouākai will be able to deliver an elevated game day experience for fans, with the venue also serving as a hub for community basketball activities, greatly benefiting the next generation of Cantabrian basketballers.  According to Sport Canterbury, basketball participation in the Canterbury region has been trending upwards since 2020, with a 34% increase in memberships over the past five years. Over 4,000 people have already come to Parakiore to play basketball since it opened this past December. Basketball New Zealand will also be hosting the Foot Locker U16 National Championships at Parakiore in July.

“The Wheeler Motor Company Group has proudly supported the Canterbury Rams for many years, so seeing our team move into their new home at Parakiore in the heart of Christchurch is incredibly exciting for us as we continue backing the Rams through this important next step,” said Nick Wheeler, Wheeler Motor Company Director. “Parakiore represents the momentum and confidence of a city that continues to build, grow and push forward. Watching the Rams compete in a world-class, central city venue is fantastic for the club, the fans and the wider Canterbury community. As principal sponsor, we’re proud to continue the journey alongside them as they enter this exciting new chapter.”

Located in the Central City, Parakiore is New Zealand’s largest indoor sport and recreation venue, spanning 32,000 square metres. The show court capacity nears 2,500 spectators as well as courtside hospitality and VIP lounge.  The facility also features six additional community basketball courts, providing ample opportunities for basketball participation. 

Canterbury Rams games this upcoming season will also be accessible for families, with an offer of a free children’s ticket with paying adult for season memberships and individual games in the bronze category.

“Moving into the new stadium is an exciting time for the Rams and basketball in Canterbury,” said Taylor Britt, Canterbury Rams Player. “Having a facility that can hold more fans and help with the participation and growth in the basketball community on the weekends is exactly what we needed and I’m looking forward to having our first home game packed out and playing in front of even more Rams fans.” 

“Calling Parakiore home for the 2026 Tauihi season is something truly special,” said Esra McGoldrick, Mainland Pouākai Player. “We’re excited to embrace the outstanding facilities and everything this incredible venue has to offer. Most of all, we can’t wait for our fans and community to pack the stands, bring the energy, and make Parakiore a fortress!”

The Canterbury Rams will host a public Grand Opening event on Sunday, March 15 at 11:00am-12:30pm, inviting fans to experience the new show court, meet the team, watch the team play and explore the facility.  More information on this event will be released over the next week.

The Rams’ 2026 season begins on April 19 when they host the Wellington Saints for the first professional basketball game at Parakiore. Canterbury Rams Season Memberships and Mainland Pouākai Season Memberships will become available on March 15. Fans can gain early access by signing up to the Canterbury Rams Early Bird Waitlist and Mainland Pouākai Early Bird Waitlist.

Additional information about Parakiore can be found at https://recandsport.ccc.govt.nz/parakiore/