Eden Park security questioned after child seen with ‘realistic’ toy gun in stands

Rugby fans at Eden Park were alarmed by a child wielding a realistic toy pistol during a match at the weekend.

Photographs show the child holding the toy pistol in the stands during the National Provincial Championship game between Auckland and North Harbour.

“I saw this kid running around with a gun at the stadium and I was totally shocked,” said one woman, who declined to be named.

Eden Park Trust’s general manager of operations, Chris Mintern, said the organisation was working with security contractors to address the issue raised by the spectator.

“At Eden Park, our priority is to create an enjoyable and safe environment for all fans, players, officials, and staff,” he said.

“We take all feedback and concerns raised with us seriously, especially those that have the potential to cause concern to other patrons.

He added: “In collaboration with our venue hirers, we are committed to ensuring sporting fixtures at Eden Park continue to have a family-friendly atmosphere.”

The spectator said spectators were concerned that the fake firearm was not picked up by stadium security.

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A boy holds a toy pistol in the stands at Eden Park during a NPC match.

She said the gun looked realistic.

“How the hell did this get through the gates to start with?” she said. “Other people were shocked when they walked up the stairs at half time and I heard one guy say … how did that get through the gates? So, yeah, other people were concerned.”

She said she raised the issue with security guards. She messaged Eden Park management after the game.

Eden Park’s website says knives and dangerous weapons are not allowed to be brought into the stadium for rugby matches.

It does not specify whether replica weapons are permitted, although it says staff have discretion to ban items which could be dangerous or inconvenient to other spectators.

Children are permitted to bring toys into Eden Park. All bags are searched by security at the gates.

This report was edited on September 10 to make clear all bags are searched before entry to Eden Park.

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