Christchurch NZ Open Press Release

Ōtautahi Christchurch to Host NZ Squash Open in 2025 and 2026

Above: Paul Coll at the 2022 New Zealand Squash Open

Ōtautahi Christchurch is set to see the world’s best squash athletes in action, with the city confirmed as the host of the 2025 and 2026 New Zealand Squash Open.

The New Zealand Squash Open is an annual tournament which features New Zealand’s top squash athletes, as well as many of the best squash athletes from around the globe.

The Open was launched in the mid-1970s and has been reinstated in recent years. Tauranga hosted the event successfully in 2022, with the city also set to host the 2023 edition.

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson says the organisation is thrilled to be taking the Open to Christchurch in 2025 and 2026.

“It will be the first time the New Zealand Squash Open has ever been held in the South Island and we’re looking forward to showcasing the top level of squash to the community there,” said Dowson.

“The Open was a resounding success in Tauranga in 2022 and we’re expecting another fantastic tournament next month featuring 48 of the world’s best squash players from across 17 nations.”

The event will be run by Squash Events Canterbury who say it will bring significant benefits to Christchurch.

“The latest edition of the New Zealand Squash Open contributed more than 4,000 visitor nights and a gross benefit of $1.4-million dollars to the local economy so this is a really significant win for Christchurch,” said Squash Canterbury Chair Paul Monk.

"Hosting an international event of this stature is a clear indication that Christchurch's rejuvenation after the 2010/11 earthquakes is now progressing at speed".

Squash Events Canterbury Murray Withers added, “This event is part of reinstating Christchurch as a major venue for world class international sporting events post-earthquake.

“With squash announced as an Olympic sport for the LA 2028 Games the profile of the sport is going to grow. 2025 and 2026 will be key years for the Open and we expect some future Olympians to be in the mix.”

The location will be especially significant for New Zealand world #4 Paul Coll who grew up in Greymouth and went to school in Christchurch.

“I’m definitely planning to be there. It’ll be great to get to play some squash against some really quality opposition in front of a whole heap of family and friends,” said Coll.

ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie says that this is an exciting opportunity for the city.

“We are thrilled to welcome The New Zealand Squash Open to our vibrant, friendly city for the first time. “Ōtautahi is a sporting city through and through, so to be celebrating squash in Christchurch is a great moment for the local squash community and one that will only continue to grow from here.

“Amongst the excitement of the tournament, athletes and supporters will be able to find some balance and enjoy the unique experience that Ōtautahi offers.”

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says it’s great to be able to welcome the NZ Squash Open to Christchurch.

“Our new facilities are really helping the city support a growing range of professional sports, and we’re delighted to be able to host the NZ Squash Open here in Christchurch,” said Mauger.

The New Zealand Squash Open is being run as a joint venture with the Professional Squash Association with the governing body helping to fund the event.

“We’re really proud to be supporting squash in New Zealand,” said PSA CEO Alex Gough.

“Squash has a proud legacy in New Zealand and it’s important we invest in tournaments like this to inspire and develop our next generation of squash stars.”

Squash New Zealand would also like to acknowledge support from Sport New Zealand.