Park board chairman Doug McKay said Eden Park was fortunate to have someone with Ngata's background. Photo / Simon Watts
Park board chairman Doug McKay said Eden Park was fortunate to have someone with Ngata's background. Photo / Simon Watts
A former Vector Arena boss, appointed to run the Eden Park Trust Board, says the roar of the crowds is one of the sweetest sounds.
Guy Ngata, who was at the Auckland arena from 2006 until 2010, will next year replace the Eden Park Trust Board's chief executive David Kennedy,who left last month. Vicki Salmon is acting chief executive until Ngata starts on January 1.
Ngata, 41, is Ngati Porou from the East Coast near Ruatoria. He grew up in Auckland, the son of Geraldine and Whai Ngata.
"As kids, we spent a lot of time down at the Whareponga Marae. We'd get in the car, hit the road before Christmas and wouldn't put a pair of shoes on again until later in January.
We enjoyed the hot summers and we climbed the hills and had a great upbringing." He does not speak te reo, but said brother Damian had learned and his father is fluent.
Park board chairman Doug McKay said Eden Park was fortunate to have someone with Ngata's background.
He is now working in Sydney as the general manager of the Allphones Arena in the Olympic Park, a 21,000-seat arena ranked as one of the top five of its size in the world. Ngata has been there the past three years.
He previously worked at the Mercedes-Benz Arena in Shanghai, where he finalised construction of that venue.
Ngata said the roar of a crowd, travel and finishing major projects were some of life's highlights. Photo / Supplied
His role involved a partnership deal with stadium operator AEG, the United States' NBA and China's Oriental Pearl Group.
Ngata also worked at the Trusts Arena in West Auckland for two years until 2006 and before that he managed coaching at Auckland Rugby for five years until 2004.
McKay said Ngata's overseas stadium business experience, combined with work here, made him ideal for the new role.
Ngata said the roar of a crowd, travel and finishing major projects were some of life's highlights.
"I think in the roles I've been involved in, you've got to take the things that make you tick and channel that energy," he said.
"I hope to build on the fantastic reputation that the park has, a lot driven by the teams and events there. It's been fantastic to see the success of the Auckland Nines which is pretty new to the park and I'll be looking at other commercial opportunities to pursue."
Ngata has a bachelor of sport and recreation from AUT, a diploma of applied sports, and went to Sacred Heart College in Auckland.
