Northland's $18.5 million regional events centre is on track and on budget despite a seeming lack of activity at the Okara Park site recently, the Northland Regional Council says. NRC chief executive Ken Paterson said there had been rumours swirling that there were problems that were delaying the work, but thatwas not the case. The rumours spread after people living near Okara Park reported very little activity at the site in recent days. But Mr Paterson said he had received assurances from contractor Argon Construction that the centre, with the main grandstand (pictured left), was on track and on budget. The centre is being funded by $13 million from Northland Regional Council and $3 million from Whangarei District Council. Another $2.5 million has come from central government for enhancements linked to the Rugby World Cup in 2011. The first stage of the project - a new pitch, refurbished 3000-plus seat north stand and embankments - are now complete. Mr Paterson said other work on the events centre, which includes a four-level building housing a new 2500-seat south stand, convention centre and office space should be finished by late May next year.
