RWC 2011

[Al2]

Is anyone else concerned that it's been almost a year since NZ were awarded the 2011 world cup but there is still no decision regarding whether there will be a new stadium in Auckland or Eden Park will be upgraded.  The decision should have been made a long time ago and by now I would expect design engineers and architects to be at work if a new stadium is to be built in time, but they don't even know where the new stadium will be.  I think the government is being complacant over our world cup hosting rights.  It's not too late but unless the final decision and design progresses with urgency, I wouldn't be surprised if the 2011 world cup final is played in Sydney or Tokyo.  Perhaps Jade stadium should have a contingency plan for another 10,000 seats to be added in addition to the current proposed upgrade, they seem to be a long way ahead of Auckland.

[Stripe]

welcome Al2 ...

[Gwynn]

I think you're right, given the short timeframe, I can't see them actually building a stadium on the waterfront in auckland, and as such can't we just stick to Eden Park?  I mean heck, they were even going to try and make the place look better, and improve transport as much as they could to it, and for a mere $320million, it makes more sense than this spending of $1billion on a waterfront alternative.  The only bright side is that they could do work 24/7 on the waterfront site.

There also seems to have been a lack of consultation with the port authorities on this site, as they keep mentioning that there isn't enough time to build new port facilities else where, and that nobody has asked them as of last week 

Could Christchurch infrastructure (and I'm thinking mainly hotels here) handle a world cup final?  I know wellington couldn't, and besides, its apparantly engineeringly difficult to add a second tier to the caketin.

[DH]

Is anyone else concerned that it's been almost a year since NZ were awarded the 2011 world cup but there is still no decision regarding whether there will be a new stadium in Auckland or Eden Park will be upgraded.  The decision should have been made a long time ago and by now I would expect design engineers and architects to be at work if a new stadium is to be built in time, but they don't even know where the new stadium will be.  I think the government is being complacant over our world cup hosting rights.  It's not too late but unless the final decision and design progresses with urgency, I wouldn't be surprised if the 2011 world cup final is played in Sydney or Tokyo.  Perhaps Jade stadium should have a contingency plan for another 10,000 seats to be added in addition to the current proposed upgrade, they seem to be a long way ahead of Auckland.

Been following the stories about the National Stadium with interest for sure!

Christchurch might be able to hold the final in terms of infrastructure, but really for such a massive event, a city of 360,000 is kinda pushing it. Auckland, despite its own dreadful infrastructure, really is the only sensible option for the final.

The Jade Stadium redevelopment caters for 43,000 permanent seating, but for the 2011 RWC, capacity will be 55,000 with temporary "terraces" at either end of the ground. I guess that means standing room!? Don't know.

I can see the Governments preference being the waterfront option. Eden Park is not a national stadium, its tied completely to Auckland events, and as such is a regional stadium. Its also a stadium thats poorly located right in the middle of a residential area with all its obvious (& well documented) problems. Hence them contributing less than what would be the case for the waterfront option

I think for the first time in recent history, Auckland might actually get its act together in the next 2 weeks & actually make a decision about something! Is that how Aucklanders feel?

I would hope that the Govt helps out in some shape or form with Jade's redevelopment - even if its interest free loans or something. Or if Eden Park is chosen, they'd give Jade 10-20m to help with our 80m redevelopment. Especially seeing Auckland have been told that if they don't sort out their decision in 2 weeks, Jade will host the final (I don't see that happening btw).

cheers
DH

[Hamish]

The govt have announced the waterfront stadium as the only consideration. They are now going to have to ride roughshod over any objections through the RMA and by the Ports of Auckland.
I'm not trying to sound pessimistic but I see a disaster looming and the possibility of the Final heading off-shore if we get any snarl-ups during construction etc.
Finally, a good nick-name for it.....how about the Jaffa Bowl.

[DH]

Well it would seem the Auckland City Councillors are the DUMBEST people on the planet. Just when they should be reaching some sort of consensus based on a unnegiotiable ultimatum by the Govt, these loonies come up with this...

Auckland city councillors split over stadium venue

Idiots

cheers
DH

[Stripe]

Vote Yes for Stadium New Zealand (Inky)

Vote YES by emailing newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz, and include your YES and area in the subject line

We thank Inky for his support of the Stadium New Zealand proposal. His database is comprised solely of rugby people (enlightened by definition), and we hope to get the message across to as many of these as possible.

VOTE YES FOR STADIUM NEW ZEALAND

The construction of Stadium New Zealand on the Auckland waterfront is a timely chance for New Zealand to upgrade its sporting facilities. It has the backing of the Government, Auckland Business and the New Zealand Rugby Union.

The purpose of this email is to debunk the various myths and fatuous arguments being raised by its critics. As Paul Holmes so rightly said on radio this morning, "the most compelling argument for the stadium is simply a quick look at those who oppose it."

Opponents describe its creation as ruining or blocking off the Auckland waterfront, but this location has never been open to the Auckland public. It has blocked water views itself for 100 years. Instead of Rangitoto it has offered panoramic views of rusty containers, working container ships and industrial cranes.

Build quality and quality is attracted. After the magnificent Metropolis Apartment Tower was built, another developer built Chancery Lane next to it. This is what happens when a billion dollar development takes place, it spurs other high quality, high end developments in the area.

Sports fans travel. They need beds. They need food. They need entertainment. The neighbours of the waterfront venue are bars, restaurants, hotels and casinos. They fight over your dollar. They even offer you a bed.

At Eden Park the fans are encouraged to be quiet because it is situated within a residential neighbourhood. Fans must vacate Eden Park within one hour after full time. "Please leave" is the clear message.

At the waterfront, the reverse will be the case. Why? Because you are spending money. After the All Blacks test you will most likely retire to a restaurant within the facility or walk to a nearby pub for a drink. The message couldn't be more stark. Please stay and continue spending money. We're open and you're welcome. Drunk? Walk to a nearby hotel. Hop on a train. You don't need to drive.

This stadium is designed to be used, not closed. Cleverly, it will be the clearance point for luxury cruise ships. This will be the first impression of Auckland for many of our wealthiest guests.

If you are anti traffic congestion and pro public transport you have a much greater chance of Auckland using public transport when your biggest events centre is opposite Britomart. This new location is serviced by Britomart, motorways and ferries, not just those evil cars and their 4000 parks within walking distance.

No one's rates will increase any more than they would by going with Eden Park. Due to greater Government funding and the introduction of bed and airport taxes, the waterfront venue rates increase will probably be even less. A National Stadium will get national funding. A regional stadium will attract mostly regional funding. If you are an Aucklander then this might be the cheaper option.

Like Eden Park, Stadium New Zealand on the waterfront will host rugby and one day cricket. True, the waterfront venue cannot host test cricket. This will be a huge disappointment to the 249 patrons who went to the last cricket test at Eden Park.

We accepted that we had to build a 60,000 seat stadium as a condition of our World Cup bid. We cannot go back. Will 60,000 be more likely to go to residential Kingsland or downtown Auckland? 75,000 people already work in Auckland's CBD, and Wellington regularly fills their downtown stadium with a smaller population. Why? Because it's convenient to their CBD and their transport hub.

For those who doubt it can be completed in time, Fletcher Building have a proud record of achievement. They built Auckland's Sky City and Wellington's Te Papa. They have offered a critical path. Unlike Eden Park, construction on the waterfront can take place 24/7 because it's not in a residential neighbourhood.

Those who doubt may be the same ones who said Peter Jackson couldn't possibly finish Lord of the Rings in time.

Jock Hobbs, the greatest servant in the proud history of New Zealand Rugby, has endorsed the waterfront venue. Jock saved our All Black jersey and won us the RWC hosting rights. Isn't it time we backed Jock? Doesn't this man deserve our support?

Vote YES by emailing newsdesk@nzherald.co.nz, and include your YES and area in the subject line
e.g. YES Kingsland / YES Te Atatu / YES Cincinnati / YES Taiwan...

Thank you.

[Stripe]

why the hell is a opt-in poll being used as guidance for what decisions the government should make?

[Dingo]

You boys better get this sorted real quick if I am to be coming home in 2011 for the final. Radio in Sydney yesterday was discussing the likelihood of a semi and the final being hosted in Sydney..........my how quick the vultures swoop.

[Gwynn]

I'm telling ya, Government should of stayed out.  Keep it simple stupid!  Notice how everything was looking good, Eden Park was going to be 65K, Jade 43k, and we'd have enough capacity for the World Cup, and everything was on track for being done by 2010.

And then the Government walks in and decides it knows best.

I'm all in favour of having a flash waterfront stadium in Auckland, but the way this country moves, I don't believe that we're going to have it ready by 2011, especially not for a $500m budget.

Consider this.

Eden park, an existing ground, its upgrade is costing $320m, its not going to require 24/7 work, and its not being built on water.

Waterfront -  Completely new stadia, built on port structure that will need strengthening, and 24/7 work to be completed by 2011.  $500m doesn't seem fesiable to me.

Upgrade Eden Park, improve the transport options to and from it, and worry about this other flash water front stadia in the future.

[Dingo]

I'm all in favour of having a flash waterfront stadium in Auckland, but the way this country moves, I don't believe that we're going to have it ready by 2011, especially not for a $500m budget.

Consider this.

Eden park, an existing ground, its upgrade is costing $320m, its not going to require 24/7 work, and its not being built on water.

Waterfront -  Completely new stadia, built on port structure that will need strengthening, and 24/7 work to be completed by 2011.  $500m doesn't seem fesiable to me.

Upgrade Eden Park, improve the transport options to and from it, and worry about this other flash water front stadia in the future.

Four years to build a stadium is plenty of time. Work on Stadium Australia commenced in September 1996 and was completed in March 1999. Mate if the Aussies can do it in 2.5 years surely the kiwi's can do it in 4.5 years even with the harbour issues to deal with.

As an idea after the world cup maybe it could be turned into an aquatic centre?

It is worth noting that the construction of Stadium Australia cost $690 million for Stage1 and another $80 million to reconfigure post the olympics

[Gwynn]

Is that $690m australian?  Though it is a much bigger stadia.

This is New Zealand Dingo, we take 40 years to build roads, I can't honestly see Auckland, the Government, and the local authorities getting organised to put a new stadium together in that time.

I'd love to be proved wrong, but I can't shake my doubts.

Gwynn

[Dingo]

Yeah that was Aussie dollars. Check out his link


Stadium Australia Construction


I hear what you are saying Gwynn but I have also heard the same things about the olympics in Greece, Sth Korea, Barcelona, the Football world cup in SA. At the end of the day things always get down and i am not aware of any sporting events being delayed or transferred to other venues because stadiums have not been built.

[Gwynn]

I have to admit, that does make me feel a little more certain that they can do it.

Then again, come next week if Auckland still can't make up its mind, well I'll throw my hands up in the air again.

[Hamish]

Yeah that was Aussie dollars. Check out his link


Stadium Australia Construction


I hear what you are saying Gwynn but I have also heard the same things about the olympics in Greece, Sth Korea, Barcelona, the Football world cup in SA. At the end of the day things always get down and i am not aware of any sporting events being delayed or transferred to other venues because stadiums have not been built.

Have to be a dissenting voice Dingo but you should check this out.

Wembley Stadium


I think there is enough time to build at the waterfront. I also think that Eden Park is not the right way to go if we're thinking long term. It just sucks getting there!!!and getting away from there.
I wish all these dickheads had shown some vision about three years ago when Carlaw Park was available.