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April 14, 2026
Wellington is set to deliver one of the country’s biggest sporting moments of the year, with the ANZAC Day clash at Hnry Stadium between the One New Zealand Warriors and the Dolphins officially sold out the week prior to kick-off.
This 34,500 crowd sell-out confirms the capital’s appetite for major events and underlines the significance of bringing one of the NRL’s most meaningful fixtures to Wellington for a rare New Zealand staging. The match marks only the fourth time the One NZ Warriors have hosted their traditional ANZAC Day game in Aotearoa, giving fans the opportunity to experience the momentous occasion live.
Hnry Stadium Chief Executive Warrick Dent said the early sell-out reflects both the importance of the occasion and Wellington’s continued rise as a major events destination.
“It’s incredibly exciting to see the ANZAC Day clash for the One New Zealand Warriors against the Dolphins sell out ahead of the game. This is a significant match for the sporting calendar, on an important day for New Zealanders, so to have it resonate with fans here in Wellington speaks volumes about hosting events in our city. We’re looking forward to hosting one of the largest crowds for a One NZ Warriors match in New Zealand.
“Coming off the back of the sold-out ULTRA New Zealand festival earlier in the month, it’s clear that events in Wellington are thriving. We’re seeing people turn out in force and create unforgettable atmospheres, and we’re proud to be right at the heart of it.”
Cameron George, One NZ Warriors CEO, said the team is proud to be part of such a significant occasion and to connect with supporters across the country.
“The ANZAC Round match holds real significance for our team. We’re proud to be part of it and to bring the One NZ Warriors to Wellington for such a meaningful fixture. Not only will it be a great game of rugby league, but the collaboration with the NZ Defence Force to honour our servicemen and women will make for an amazing occasion.
“It’s always special for us to take games around the country and connect with our fans across New Zealand. We’ve enjoyed previous visits to Wellington and are so proud to see fans turn out in force for this year’s ANZAC Round fixture.”
The ANZAC Day fixture has become a key moment on the rugby league calendar, reflecting the shared history between New Zealand and Australia, and bringing a trans-Tasman rivalry to life in front of passionate crowds.
The sold-out clash forms part of a packed April for Wellington, with the city set to buzz across the ANZAC long weekend as fans, visitors, and locals fill the capital for sport, entertainment, and hospitality.
Mark Oldershaw, Chief Executive at WellingtonNZ says the double sell-out of the upcoming Warriors ANZAC match and last weekend’s ULTRA New Zealand shows strong demand for attending events in the capital.
“Having two weekends of sold-out events attracting more than 20,000 people each in a single month is a powerful statement about the vibrancy of our city. The buzz these events create is felt everywhere - from packed hotels and bustling cafés to busy retail stores - with strong local turnout as well as visitors from out of region. This level of activity delivers a real economic boost for our hospitality, accommodation and retail sectors, while reinforcing our city’s reputation as a destination that knows how to host fantastic events.
“I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy all the city has to offer.”
Kick-off for the ANZAC Day clash is scheduled for 8:05pm, with fans encouraged to arrive early and be part of what promises to be a memorable and meaningful occasion.
