Cruel winter prompts Taniwha game switch

Concerns over player safety and the poor state of the Okara Park pitch have forced Northland's first home Air NZ Cup game to be switched to North Harbour.
The Northland Rugby Union  has confirmed the region's premier rugby team will have to play its first 2009 provincial cup game against Taranaki at 7.35pm at North Harbour Stadium on  August 6.
After discussions with the NZ Rugby Union,  the two bodies have  deemed the Whangarei venue unsuitable  for the game.
The poor condition of the  playing surface led to concerns over player safety, prompting the switch  to the closest suitable venue.
The decision  had left NRU chairman Andrew Golightly "hugely disappointed" - but he said moving the game was the right decision.
"We are extremely disappointed for all our fans and stakeholders that we can't play our first home game in Whangarei. The Whangarei District and Northland Regional Councils have been working hard to ensure Okara Park would be ready in time, but the coldest winter in Northland for some years has not stimulated grass growth as much as we would have liked," Mr Golightly said.
"While the surface is suitable for general play, it does not hold up under pressure from scrummaging. That's where player safety comes into play and we are not prepared to put that at risk.
"This decision will further protect the playing surface for the next scheduled home game against Otago on August 28. We hope that Northlanders will get behind their team as we implement our contingency plan to play against Taranaki at North Harbour Stadium.
"While it might physically be neutral turf, we want Northlanders to step up and show Taranaki that North Harbour is Northland territory for a day."
The NRU and its sponsors would put on coaches to take Northland supporters to North Harbour.
"We think we can get a good Northland crowd at North Harbour, so it's essential that buses are put on for the supporters," Mr Golightly said.
The game should also attract a number of ex-pat Northlanders now living in Auckland.
He said with the redevelopment of Okara Park into an $18.5 million multi-events' centre this was always going to be a testing year for the NRU regarding venues.
"It's important we remain united and stand strong in support of our Toll United Northland team no matter where they play," Mr Golightly said.