RUGBY - Stadium back on agenda

The Northland Rugby Union has agreed to cover any shortfalls on Whangarei's proposed events centre - provided it gets final say on the project.
The need for the union's approval was left out of a Whangarei District Council statement issued yesterday announcing the plan, to the surprise of Northland Rugby Union chairman Wayne Peters. He stressed the rugby union would cover any operating shortfall only if it approved of the project.
"The press statement must be read subject to the caveat placed on the obligation by the rugby union," he said.
On Thursday, the council accepted the union's offer and advised the Northland Regional Council - which is currently considering a "regional recreational facilities rate" to fund a $13million stake in the $39.3million project.
Deputy Mayor Phil Halse accepted the announcement may have come as a surprise to the union but said the information was already in the public domain.
"It's a positive thing for the community. I think this is a good outcome," he said.
Whangarei Mayor Pamela Peters said the decision meant ratepayers would not be burdened by ongoing costs. "This is a really public-spirited move from rugby and shows positive leadership. The agreement reached between our council and Northland Rugby clears one of the major public hurdles we were facing over this proposed centre which would be managed by an independent trust. The decision has yet to be made whether to go ahead with the project, but the benefits it could bring our community are clear."
A multievent centre would contribute to the sense of place and local identity - key factors in building a community, she said.
Developing the facility continued good progress made in that area, with the opening of the new central library and redevelopment of the Whangarei Aquatic Centre. :This move by rugby is a prime example of the positive partnerships that can be formed to drive our district forward," Mrs Peters said.
Chairwoman of the council's economic development group Shelley Deeming said the project had gained support from the Whangarei Economic Development Group, which viewed it as a strong factor in improving the district's economic prosperity.
Key points about the proposed events centre at Okara Park.-
? The Northland Regional Council has proposed a "regional recreational facilities rate" to fund a $13million stake in the proposed $39.3million stadium.
? The facility could also include a retail centre and conference centre.
? The Whangarei District Council has given the Okara Park stadium to the rugby union on a $1-a-year lease.
? The district council has also given the union $2.5million to get the stadium up to scratch and is proposing to give another $1.5million originally intended for Forum North, if a conference facility is included.
? This is the second time the regional council has moved a regional events centre proposal - the last time was in 2005.
? Support for the 2005 proposal was divided and the regional council shelved the plan, but promised it would still explore the option.
? Consultants Horwath Asia Pacific indicated the stadium, if approved, would be "cash-flow positive" (not running at a loss) after its three-year construction phase.
? The rate, if approved, will mean ratepayers in the Kaipara and Far North would pay $5.63 annually toward the cost of the centre - roughly one-fifth of the $27 they would have paid under last year's proposal. Whangarei ratepayers would pay $33.75 for the next three years while the facility was built and established, later dropping to $28.13. The 2005 proposal would have seen Whangarei ratepayers billed $54 annually.
? Rugby Union chairman Wayne Peters says Northland is the only region in New Zealand without such a stadium and ratepayer support was needed if we were to have one.