Industry Noize: New Zealand Arena Fire Causes ‘$15M Loss’

Fire forced the cancellation of a three-day home show aimed at rebuilding the earthquake-stricken Canterbury region of New Zealand.

150 suppliers of kitchens, bathrooms, interiors, building materials and home technology were touting for business at the March 14-16 Rebuild and Renovate Christchurch Home Show at the CBS Canterbury Arena.

In Christchurch, New Zealand.

A spa pool exhibit is said to have caused the fire in the early hours of March 15. Cost to exhibitors of lost trade and extensive water- and smoke-damaged products was estimated at NZ$15.3 million ($13.06 million), according to organizer Exhibitions & Events NZ director Amanda Magnus.

Damage to the arena was “superficial,” according to venue managers Vbase.

Upcoming shows by Lionel Richie & John Farnham (March 20) and Queens Of The Stone Age & Nine Inch Nails (March 26) are not affected.

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