Wellington Regional Stadium to be renamed Hnry Stadium as new sponsor signs on

A successful Wellington start-up has signed on as the new naming rights sponsor for the capital’s stadium after Sky decided not to renew its contract with the venue.

It will now be called Hnry Stadium after one of New Zealand’s largest accounting services entered a five-year partnership agreement with Wellington Regional Stadium Trust.

The Wellington Regional Stadium, colloquially known as the Cake Tin for its distinct architecture, was built in 1999.

It was known for most of its life as Westpac Stadium, with the bank holding the naming rights for 20 years until late 2019 when it was announced Sky would take over.

In May last year, Sky revealed it was not renewing its contract for naming rights of the city’s largest venue.

As of March 1, the stadium will take on its new name after Hnry stepped in.

It will be called Hnry Stadium from March 2026.

The move comes eight years after the business was founded in Wellington, and six years after it expanded into Australia. The accountancy service also launched in the UK last year.

Hnry co-founder and chief executive James Fuller said the Wellington community had backed them with an incredible level of trust, positivity and belief since they began, making the decision to become naming rights sponsor an easy one.

“Hnry is a Wellington-born business, and through the city’s unwavering support, we’ve been able to grow from a local start-up to now operating in three countries. Wellington has remained central to who we are throughout the journey, and this partnership signifies our long-term commitment to the city, economy and community,” he said.

Trust chief executive Warrick Dent said having a “Wellington-born-and-bred business” as the naming rights sponsor aligned with their strategic purpose of “providing unforgettable experiences that connect our communities”.

“Given how that parallels Hnry’s own goals, we see this partnership becoming incredibly successful.

Hnry co-founder and chief executive James Fuller.

“In the past 25 years, we have welcomed more than 12 million patrons through our gates. That level of support reflects the role the stadium plays in Wellington’s cultural, sporting and community life.”

Fuller said taking on the naming rights was Hnry’s way of backing Wellington.

“We love this city, and we genuinely believe in its future.

“It reflects a long-term commitment to the place where Hnry began, and where we continue to invest, hire and build.”

About 400,000 Kiwis – approximately 20% of the workforce – are sole traders, and each year Hnry processes about 1% of New Zealand’s total tax take.

Wellington Regional Stadium Trust is not a council-controlled organisation, but its board of trustees is appointed by Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council.