Wellington revs up as Wahs Nation invades for sold-out Warriors match

Friday, 24 April 2026

With a sold-out Warriors v Dolphins match set for Saturday, this Anzac weekend in the capital will be a busy one.

Hnry Stadium chief executive Warrick Dent said he expected close to 35 thousand people to attend Saturday’s game.

“The support from the community for the match has been fantastic. If you look at the two teams, the Warriors and the Dolphins are both playing particularly well at the moment, so it should be an amazing game.”

The game was the stadium’s first sellout following it signing on with new naming partner Hnry. Adding in the face the game was on Anzac Day added to the special sense of occasion, he said.

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“It’s obviously a really special moment for Australians and New Zealanders. I think that the pre-match Anzac ceremony will be something really special.”

The stadium was in discussion with the Warriors to have an annual match held at Hnry Stadium on Anzac weekend, with Dent saying he thought the concept would work well in Wellington.

As well as being the nation’s capital, the national Anzac Day commemoration was held in Wellington, and there was a sizeable Warriors fanbase here.

“We do understand that they've got their commitments to their fans in Auckland, but we do think being the New Zealand Warriors, there's a real opportunity for them to play matches here in Wellington,” he said.

The match could possibly end-up being the third biggest Warriors home crowd ever, he said.

There was a special feeling about town when an event was sold out, as close to 40% of tickets sold were to people who lived outside of the Wellington region, Dent said.

“It adds to the Wellington economy. We're just looking forward to contributing to the community by putting on a great experience.”

The stadium had worked closely with Metlink and KiwiRail to ensure every went smoothly over the weekend, he said.

On Friday, Wahs Nation members could already be seen enjoying themselves around Wellington.

The Post chatted with fans from Taranaki and Dunedin, all of who had travelled to Wellington for the long weekend and were looking forward to watching their favourite team face off against the Dolphins.

Sports bars are preparing for a busy Saturday. D4 staffer Sanka said the bar was fully booked from 4pm onwards, with an additional 200 people expected to join in after the match.

Over at the Green Man bar, staff were expecting the same, having opened their function room as an additional space for sports fans.

WellingtonNZ chief executive Mark Oldershaw said hosting the sold-out clash was a huge honour for Wellington.

The weekend would inject real momentum into the capital’s hospitality and retail sectors, and create a fantastic buzz right across the city, he said.

“It’s just the fourth time this game has been played in New Zealand, and the fact Hnry Stadium will be packed with 34,500 fans shows both the incredible passion of Warriors supporters and Wellington’s proven ability to deliver major, nationally significant events.”

Anzac weekend was also a time to reflect and remember those who served and sacrificed, and acknowledge the enduring ties between New Zealand and Australia, he said.

“We hope everyone visiting the capital this weekend has an outstanding time soaking up all the city has to offer — and, of course, go the Wahs!”