KEY POINTS:
Herald writers give their views on the Government's waterfront stadium announcement.
Herald writers give their views on the Government's waterfront stadium announcement.
STANCE: Pro Waterfront Stadium, but with modifications.
Auckland deserves a world class stadium and it should be near the central city. But a rugby field built on piles over our splendid waterfront seems wrong to me. The design will have to be exceptionally good and the one Trevor Mallard touted around Auckland today was not. There's no reason a stadium has to look like a goldfish bowl. Give it a big glassy waka prow at the seaward end, or something. I think we should go with Mallard's plan but do our utmost to improve it.
STANCE: Anti Waterfront Stadium
Mayor Dick Hubbard is the anti-champion of Auckland. He is cheer-leading a waterfront stadium which will turn the city council's prized landmark Britomart heritage precinct into an instant slum. View shafts to the sea, protected by the district plan, will be blocked by a 37 metre high wall. Planning laws are to be suspended. This is a nightmare not a vision. Aucklanders have just two weeks to demand better. Act now, or share the blame.
STANCE: Pro Waterfront Stadium
I support the waterfront stadium proposal, mainly because Eden Park isn't an option. All over the world the trends are that stadiums are being built from scratch for world events. It would also be good for the city and the nation. I think it will give it a focus.
STANCE: Pro Waterfront Stadium
It is one of the country's most adventurous civil engineering jobs. Just get on and do it! It's fantastic for the country, for Auckland, the building industry and real estate. Don't mention Wembley, though.
Pothole vans will soon patrol New Zealand roads.