Okara Park revamp waits for next move

Okara Park's stadium comes with conditions. Picture / Michael Cunningham

Plans for a regional multi-events centre at Okara Park in Whangarei have been approved, but the stadium is not a done deal.

Independent commissioners Les Simmons and Phillip Brown have granted the Northland Rugby Union resource consent for an 11,000sq m commercial retail and office space under a planned new south stand at the stadium.

But the decision could be challenged in an appeal to the Environment Court backed by Respect Whangarei, a group opposed to the stadium plan.

The new stand will form the main part of the almost $40 million stadium.

A $13 million contribution of ratepayers' money through a Northland Regional Council regional recreation rate will go toward paying for it.

The Okara Park upgrade would result in a regional sporting and community facility which benefited the whole of Northland, the commissioners said.

They put more than 35 conditions on the consent, many to help avoid, remedy or alleviate adverse effects in the area.

The conditions relate to traffic, noise, lighting, landscaping and the number of events at the stadium and their duration.

They include a review condition that would maintain an appropriate level of amenity for neighbouring residential and business areas.

The stadium issue has divided the public. Fifty-six submissions were made - 27 against the application, 25 for, and four neither for nor against.

Many against the plan objected to the ratepayer contribution, but the Resource Management Act says commissioners cannot take who pays or the affordability of a project into account.

Other objections related to noise, lighting, retail and commercial use and traffic.

Those concerns were addressed by stringent conditions, the commissioners said. They said a traffic management plan had to be created, and the stadium's lighting would significantly improve the current situation for neighbours.

Northland Rugby Union chairman Wayne Peters has said the retail aspect would guarantee the stadium's financial viability.

"Projections are that the retail and office space alone would generate about $2 million a year," he said.

Respect Whangarei chairman Clyde Korach said the organisation would meet this week to decide whether to back an appeal to the Environment Court.

More than 2500 have signed a Respect Whangarei petition calling for a binding referendum on the stadium plan.

PARK RULES

* 100 sporting events a year with amplified sound.

* No more than 45 events after 8pm.

* Five concerts a year

* Two firework shows a year

* At least 629 parking spaces.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE