IAG NZ has bought the naming rights to a new temporary Christchurch sports stadium, which now bears the name of AMI, the struggling insurer it took over last month.

The new AMI Stadium, officially opened on Saturday with a Super Rugby match, is the first sporting venue built in the earth-shattered city since the February 2011 earthquake forced the closure of the old AMI Stadium.

The future of that venue, which was badly damaged by liquefaction, is undecided.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee says the sponsorship was made possible by IAG NZ, which “recognises the symbolism of supporting a venue identified as being important for the morale of the people of Canterbury”.

He says the new AMI Stadium is a symbol of the city’s recovery and will deliver some normality for Cantabrians “who have not been able to enjoy large sporting and entertainment fixtures for more than a year”.