By PAUL YANDALL
HAMILTON - With one day to go, more than half of Hamilton's voters have yet to register an opinion on the future of their city's proposed $30 million twin stadium project.
Returning officers say 42 per cent of the 75,000 voting papers have been sent back to the Hamilton City Council, and they are hoping that a last-minute rush will push the final figure to more than 50 per cent.
The deadline for voting forms to be returned is midday tomorrow. The result of the $120,000 referendum is expected around 8 pm.
Mayor Russ Rimmington said the council would meet on Sunday to consider the result, although the referendum was not binding on it.
The city's registered electors and property owners have been asked if they want the council to contribute to a $25 million redevelopment of Rugby Park and a $5 million upgrade of WestpacTrust Park and, if so, how much it should give.
The Waikato Regional Stadium Trust backed the twin stadium project after the original Tainui Stadium plan was scrapped last November when its estimated cost went from the proposed $43 million to more than $50 million.
Meanwhile, the Waikato Rugby Union says Rugby Park's revamp is essential to protect the future of the region's rugby, particularly the Chiefs' Super 12 franchise.
"We're required to be able to supply an international-standard stadium for events like the Super 12," said the union's chief executive, Gary Dawson. "Right now, we can't do that."
Mr Dawson said the list of inadequate facilities at Rugby Park was embarrassing.
In contrast, Rotorua's stadium - already mooted as a possible new home for the Chiefs - was a class venue that was getting another upgrade.
Stadium vote deadline looming
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