ARC wants public feedback on stadium proposals

16 November 2006

The Auckland Regional Council has launched a webpage to give the public an opportunity to tell the ARC where they would like to see the premier stadium for Rugby World Cup 2011.

Central Government has asked the Auckland Regional Council and Auckland City Council to decide whether they would prefer a new waterfront stadium or a redeveloped Eden Park for Rugby World Cup 2011.

ARC Chairman Michael Lee says his Council is keen to hear from the public in an advance of the November 24 deadline for a decision.

“We have already had dozens of letters and emails and we now invite anybody interested to visit our website, read the information on the two proposals and give us their views,” Mr Lee says.

Mr Lee says his Council will be making a decision on a preferred option on Friday 24 November.

“In the meantime we are busy analysing all the available information on both proposals and talking to key stakeholders.

“ARC members are open-minded on the decision which we are taking very seriously indeed. We are reserving judgement until all the available evidence is in. This is a huge decision for Auckland and a long-term financial commitment for New Zealand, so it’s vitally important we get it right.”

Mr Lee says a key issue for the ARC is any operational and economic impact on the Ports of Auckland, which is wholly owned by the ARC through its subsidiary Auckland Regional Holdings.

“The Port company is owned by the people of the Auckland region and is the biggest port in the country. It is one of the jewels of the Auckland economy and its interests must be protected. It provides millions of dollars a year for public transport and infrastructure.”

Mr Lee says whichever way the decision goes it is important that Auckland maximises the benefits from hosting Rugby World Cup.

“The Rugby World Cup will be as big an opportunity as Auckland makes it. The opportunity is much broader than rugby.

“It is an opportunity to gain long term benefits for the Auckland region’s communities such as improved roading, public transport and other infrastructure.”

Members of the public are invited to visit www.arc.govt.nz, read the information online and provide feedback between now and 4pm on Wednesday 22 November.

ENDS

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