Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister for the Rugby World Cup
13 December 2006 Media Statement
Embargoed until 3.30pm
Review of finals venue options report-back
The government's review of the design and costing of the proposed Eden Park redevelopment as the finals venue for Rugby
World Cup 2011 has been given more time to enable a thorough assessment of all design options including current design
options, Minister for the Rugby World Cup Trevor Mallard said today.
"The cabinet policy committee received a progress report today on the review of Eden Park design, funding and governance
issues. The report advised that the review of the $320 million and $385 million redevelopment proposals for Eden Park
had been put back due to delays in getting access to key information and documents.
"It was also noted that further time was required for the technical evaluation of the existing design proposals and that
this evaluation would include an assessment of the various options available to deliver the seating requirements for
Rugby World Cup 2011, including the existing designs and other combinations, utilising a mix of temporary and permanent
facilities.
"Another 12,000 seats are required for the finals to be held at Eden Park, and the government has sought international
stadium architectural expertise to evaluate the current design options and the other options which could include some
temporary seating. This is so cabinet has the fullest picture possible of all the options available, and the resulting
funding and governance ramifications.
"I am advised that this evaluation is technically challenging and will not be completed until late January.
"Ministers have therefore agreed that there be another report back after that. I am advised that this will not affect
redevelopment timelines.
"Funding and governance issues clearly depend on this design work and these issues will be progressed further once we
have agreement on a finals venue option," Trevor Mallard said.
"The government is committed to providing a stadium fit for hosting the Rugby World Cup final in 2011, and ensuring the
tournament showcases New Zealand and Auckland to the world. We will continue to work hard with all the parties involved
to ensure this is achieved in the best interests of all New Zealanders."
The report to the cabinet committee is attached.
ENDS