Big stink over 'swampy' World Cup choice

Rugby identities have criticised politicians who named a new World Cup gateway to Eden Park after a swamp.

The Eden Albert Community Board ignored submissions calling for the ratepayer-funded street to be named after an All Black great such as Fred Allen, Sir Wilson Whineray or David Kirk, and plumped for Swamp Walk.

Chairman Chris Dempsey said giving the $2.7 million lane a rugby-related name would have been "over the top".

"No one really wanted a rugby name because Eden Park dominates the area, it would have been too much."

Auckland City Council is building the lane - between Sandringham Rd and Walters Rd - as part of a $23m World Cup upgrade for the area around Eden Park.

Council rules mean the board had naming rights, despite opposing the road. It refused to back the removal of two houses to build it and made headlines after suggesting names like Mandela and Minto, after Springbok tour protester John Minto.

Auckland Rugby gathered 68 responses supporting Fred Allen Lane, in honour of the former All Black coach.

Chairman - and city councillor - Ken Baguley said the board's choice was "a nonsense". "I think it's an absolute insult to Eden Park to have to say, 'we're going along Swamp Walk to Eden Park'."

He said the move was a wind-up by the board, which had ignored submissions.

Other public ideas included David Kirk Way, after the World Cup-winning All Blacks captain, Whineray Lane, Sport Lane, and the more whimsical Forward Pass. Dempsey admitted he was baffled by the latter option.

"Everyone burst out laughing when I read that out. I'm not a sports freak and I had no idea what they were laughing at."

The chosen name was suggested by nearby Kowhai Intermediate School, in recognition of the former swamp where Eden Park stands.

The Maori translation, Wairepo Walk, will also be an official name. In its submission, Kowhai Intermediate said Swamp Walk "avoids glorifying rugby and sidesteps controversial labels".

Community board member and city councillor Cathy Casey said the chosen name also referenced the "swampy decision" to build the lane.

She favoured the name Mandela, but said it wasn't appropriate given the board's reservations about safety on the road. It will be open to vehicles outside Eden Park events.

"We didn't want Mandela to be associated with such a risky venture as this."

Work on the road is due to finish by September, but it will be open to pedestrians for the July 10 Tri-Nations match.