Weekend Herald editorial: Let's get whizzing over the hallowed turf of Eden Park

Editorial

For much of the year Eden Park lies empty, save for mowers keeping its turf trimmed and visitors paying homage to the scene of New Zealand rugby and cricket triumphs.

The big stadium sits on some of Auckland's most valuable real estate, surrounded by suburbs and schools.

Its location has restrained the ambitions of park managers to generate more income from the asset, especially from night-time concerts.

Neighbourhood residents seem to accept that the park can host a limited number of noisy sporting events, complete with the banal sound blasts which pierce the evening air whenever a significant moment occurs on the field.

But those living nearby have drawn the line at letting the stadium work more efficiently by hosting more events, which could allow it to make a dent in its $50 million financial lifeline guaranteed by Auckland Council until 2019.

The park has recruited sponsors to help with its running costs, but its future is not straightforward, especially given the council's role as regulator, competitor through its support for other big venues, and guarantor.

The sight this week then of wire cables strung above the famous ground in the form of a zipline is a sign the Eden Park Trust Board is thinking outside the box to make better use of the park. Ziplines are an established tourist adventure, but most are strung in forest settings.

The chance to whiz over a ground rich in sporting history is a treat that no other place in New Zealand can offer. It could become a premium drawcard to rival jet-boating and bungy-jumping, and there is no reason why it should upset Eden residents. The only thing that might get in the way is the odd test match and Blues game.