Iconic Ōtautahi Christchurch Venue Locked in for NZ Squash Open in 2025

The iconic Isaac Theatre Royal is set to play host to the world’s best squash athletes, with the venue secured for the 2025 New Zealand Squash Open in Ōtautahi, Christchurch.

The theatre, which was built in 1908, will be decked out with a glass court on stage, allowing fans a spectacular view as the event is contested from March 4th to 9th, 2025.

“Christchurch is fortunate to have a range of wonderful facilities and following a thorough scope and review of potential venues by the Local Committee, we’re delighted to have selected and secured the Isacc Theatre Royal for the 2025 NZ Squash Open,” said Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa Chief Executive Martin Dowson.

“It’s going to be amazing to have the world’s best squash athletes on court in the beautiful Isaac Theatre Royal. We know South Islanders love their sport and we expect international fans, as well as fans from around the country to attend, so we’re looking forward to fantastic crowds and great competition.”

The tournament will be run as part of The New Zealand Festival of Squash, which will see the New Zealand Junior Open held at the Christchurch Club in conjunction with the elite event.

The location will be especially significant for New Zealander and World #2 Paul Coll who grew up in Greymouth and went to school in Christchurch.

“It’s pretty awesome to get to play a top competition at home in front of friends and family,” said Coll.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the whole of Greymouth travels over so it’s going to be an entertaining event.”

The New Zealand Squash Open 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 in 2022 and 2023, generating significant economic benefits for the region.

“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.

ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events Karena Finnie says, “We are delighted 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, at one of the city’s most iconic venues is really exciting. I encourage all athletes and supporters to find some balance during the event and enjoy the unique experience that Ōtautahi offers.”

The New Zealand Squash Open will be run by Squash Events Canterbury and is a joint venture with the Professional Squash Association, with the governing body helping to fund the event. Squash New Zealand would also like to acknowledge support from Sport New Zealand.

The New Zealand Squash Open will also be held in Christchurch in 2026.

About Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa

Squash New Zealand Poipātū Aotearoa is the national governing body for squash in New Zealand.

Squash has a proud history in New Zealand and it is estimated that more than 90,000 people in New Zealand play or try squash each year, in more than 300 clubs and other facilities with squash courts around the country.

At the heart of everything we do together is our unrelenting drive to get more people on court more often, to succeed on the world stage and to help squash communities thrive.

For further information and interview requests contact:

Lewis Hampton Squash NZ Poipātū Aotearoa Media Liaison +64 27 451 8090 lewis@payper.co