Keep the Warriors at Mt Smart, bring speedway to Colin Dale Park
Following proposals to move the Vodafone Warriors from Mt Smart Stadium to make way for a speedway, Otara-Papatoetoe
Local Board Member Ross Robertson is endorsing the call by Councillors Alf Filipania and John Watson to instead move the
speedway to Colin Dale Park, near Auckland Airport.
Mr Robertson, the local board’s spokesperson for parks, sports and recreation is supporting a common sense approach that
will keep the Vodafone Warriors at Mt Smart Stadium and develop emerging Colin Dale Park into a world class motor sport
complex.
“Regional Facilities Auckland’s proposed stadium strategy is illogical and not thought out. Forcing the Warriors out is
unnecessary, uncalled for and unwanted. We should be making better use of ratepayers’ hard earned money with the mix of
facilities we already have,” says Mr Robertson.
“Ground works for a motorsport park are already in action on part of Colin Dale Park and will include facilities for
karting, off-road racing, motor-cross, BMX, jet sprint and radio controlled cars.
“Puhinui is prime location for a speedway with specific planning provisions for motorsport activity. It offers far
greater flexibility for future development being near the airport, away from residential developments, and right under
flight paths where noise isn’t an issue.
“Utilising Colin Dale Park is a sensible approach that will allow the Warriors to keep Mt Smart Stadium as their home
but also provide a location for a speedway that allows proper flexibility for future development.
“Why kick the Warriors out of Mt Smart Stadium to convert it into a speedway facility when you can build a world class
motor sport complex at Colin Dale Park in Puhinui.”
To allow a greater number of events than currently possible at Western Springs Speedway, Regional Facilities Auckland
Limited (RFAL) has proposed to convert Mt Smart Stadium, home of the Warriors, into a speedway.
ENDS