KEY POINTS:
The Government has confirmed the upgrade of Eden Park will involve a new South Stand and temporary seating but Aucklanders are being asked to contribute towards the facelift for Eden Park .
The stand to be used for the Rugby World Cup in 2011 would cost up to $190 million and would be acceptable to rugby officials, Sports Minister Trevor Mallard has announced.
What do you think?
Send us your views
>> Read the story
>> Read Brian Rudman's view
>> Read views posted earlier
But here is the latest selection of your views:
Chris
The RWC 2007 Final to be played at The Stade de France in Paris Wow! what a fantastic sight the eyes of billions of sports fans around the world on one of the worlds great stadiums. The RWC 2011 Final to be played at The Clip on de New Zealand in Auckland! Yuk! What an awful sight. The eyes of billions of sports fans around the world on one of the worlds most pathetic stadiums.
Bruce C
Exactly how is the trust board going to differentiate between their contribution to the total Eden Park upgrade and their own East Stand endeavour? Every dollar they spend on this, is a dollar they will expect others to provide for the South Stand etc.
Dave D
With the way the world is going, I would be surprised if any of us are still alive in 2011.
Judy Selvaraj
So, Trevor Mallard has committed NZ taxpayer money, seemingly without consultation, Hubbard has further committed ratepayer money, also without consultation ($100 million set aside, according to NZ Herald's article (20 February) and yet Rugby has only committed $10 million to the entire upgrade. Of some concern (or should be) to all rate and taxpayers is the lack of consultation about spending our money, the reality that Rugby is now a business (they make profits to pay their players and endless Chief Executives)which should be self-sufficient (as with all State Sector models of bureaucracy)and yet Aucklanders are passively accepting a somewhat done-deal without any input. The railroading or ramming of ideas is becoming far too prevalent in New Zealand and belies the notion of democracy. Do we actually have a say in this country, or are we passive gnomes that serve as statues of communism?
Tony Fandango
I have had enough of this place. The infrastructure is rubbish, the government is rubbish and there is a over riding sense of narrow-mindedness and short sightedness everywhere. The rail network is rubbish, the road network is rubbish. it rains 9 months of the year and its generally quite a boring place. I cant wait to leave. The only trouble is I quite like my house!
Mike
Simple. Its for the Rugby World Cup. Auckland pays for it as a loan to the Rugby Union (for their cup) then they pay back Auckland from the profits!
Kirsten
They should find the money themselves. I do not plan on going to Eden Park and I will object having to pay for something that will not be utilised. How about they charge an extra $100 per silly ticket for the world cup? Get the people who are going to see it to pay for it.
George
The people of Auckland need to make up their minds as to what they want. It would appear that Aucklanders are willing to pay fantastic prices (on an international scale) for a home, but they do so without forethought and insight. They site lame statistics to justify this and often refer to other world class cities to support their claims. Yet, this is where that line of reasoning ends. While Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand, it is full of small-minded people who do not seem to understand the concepts of urbanisation. We can not continue down this road much longer. We need an affordable, comprehensive and reliable public transportation system. Build it and they will come. Talk all the nonsense you like about how it can't work, but show me one city in the world where there is an affordable, comprehensive and reliable public transport system that is not being utilised. Furthermore, if it is done right, it could add character and charm - something Auckland sorely lacks.
Andy Joyce (Remuera)
It is an absolute shocker and to even try and compare with the other events where temporary seating was/is to be implemented is not comparing apples with apples. These are new stadiums that were designed with this in mind and we are miles off these. With temporary seating taken away these are still world class stadiums. 2012 London Olympics, 2000 Sydney Olympics, 2004 Athens Olympics. Please someone take some action. Give it to Japan, outsource to Sydney or build a national stadium with a roof on it that we can all be proud of and it can be used all year round for all sorts of events. If Wales can do it we can! Sell off the other under used stadiums in Auckland! I see the residents near Eden Park are already whingeing. Come on, lets deal with the problem instead of pussy footing around the edges and sitting on the fence and making compromises on top of compromises.
Steve
The latest Eden Park decision is yet another clear indicator that NZ and Auckland would rather dwell in its own mediocrity than use the RWC as a catalyst to revamp its infrastructure and sporting facilities to the world class that we demand and deserve. Its a pity that IRB hasnt taken the tournament away from NZ to teach us the lesson that we so evidently need. Full blame for this fiasco must lie at the feet of the worst and most incompetent government that NZ has ever had the misfortune to elect. Shame on us all forever electing them in the first place. Even greater shame on us for subsequently re-electing them, not once, but twice more over. Not only is our government gutless, but so are we all.
Hannah Kelly and Jennifer Howarth
We are embarrassed that New Zealand is going to be hosting the World Cup and be seating guests on temporary seats. We also think it is ridiculous that the government is not contributing more to the upgrade when obviously hosting the world cup is going to bring a lot of revenue into NZ in 2011 and Eden PArk will no doubt bring in more revenue in the future, being able to hold so many people making it an ideal place to host sell out concerts. It seems that the government has sour grapes that their favoured waterfront stadium did not get the vote.
D.V.F
If Christchurch want to hold the world cup and they already have a suitable venue that can be upgraded more economically (and would remain a better recourse after the cup is over), then surely this is a better alternative. I guess this would promote tourism and spread the resources around the country.(perhaps something the present Govt. by its actions is not keen on). There is even a bigger question: Why even have a Ministry of Sports when it is clear this ministry is unable to represent those who fund it?
Daniel Sloan
This is the same government who wanted to fork out almost a $1 Billion NZ for a waterfront stadium, and are now having a sulk because they didnt get their way. Now we must pay for another add-on to Eden Park, which will leave us with a stadium that looks like it was built by a child with several incomplete sets of Lego - the result of having politicians from other parts of the country telling our largest city what it can and can not do.
Rob
Let us run the numbers: Current capacity: 47,000 seats. Extra capacity required for the final: 13,000 seats, cost for these extras = $190,000,000. That is a unit cost of $14,600+ per seat. Do we really think that every person who attends the final will spend that much money in Auckland while they are here? If they are... who is getting this money? When the Government backed the NZRFUs pitch for the World Cup, did they make it conditional on a minister getting his own way?
Nic
Is there anyone else in this country that is sick to death of hearing about Rugby? I hope we lose the rights to host it again. That will shut everyone up.
Trev
The Jafas were given the options by the government. A brand new, state of the art, iconic multi-purpose stadium within easy reach of major transportation, entertainment and retail centres the cost of which would be covered by the Government (basically open cheque book) or a cheap alternative with every likely hood that the cost would be borne by the Auckland rate payers. And guess what? They chose to keep their squalid eyesore of a car park. And now they are moaning about the cost. How often does the Government say Here's a blank cheque, go for it. Bugger them. They had the choice. Dont give them anything. Just tell everyone to bring a beer crate and brolly when they buy their tickets because they already think we are a bunch of hicks anyway.
Loki
About a year ago there was much euphoria about how the great efforts of Jock Hobbs, the New Zealand Rugby Union and even the positive support of the New Zealand Government had snatched a great sporting occasion for New Zealand. What is more the Government were pledging financial support and to assist in rolling through the resource issues in the national interest. Great. Roll on a year, in which time the NZRU had made great strides in planning upgrades to Eden Park, and someone suggests a waterfront stadium. Who was that masked genderless individual? The Government wade in and appear to think its a great idea, but oh no, the ARC have a vested interest in the land. There is an impartial decision. "We won't support it", they howl, "we won't get as much revenue as from the port land", they don't say, but may have really meant. Suddenly we have three weeks to make a decision, starting from nothing. "What what for the what what?", some people said. Oh no, not everyone was playing ball with the Government on the idea, so they had a little tantrum and said they wouldn't fund Eden Park. How very mature of them. Cue an embarrassing little temporary seating solution. How again did the government hijack these decisions from the NZRU? Remind me again why the Government is running the show on a sporting event? Remember Government involvement and the 1981 Springbok tour? Hmm. We laud the Australians on having fine facilities. If you build them, the events will come. It is time New Zealand had some quality infrastructure and allowed an environment to run events. I urge New Zealand not to allow this opportunity to turn into a national embarrassment. RWC is and should be a great event. Then again, maybe if we remove all the signs a wonderful stadium will be revealed somewhere? But maybe we qill lose this World Cup also because at the last minute it will be revealed no signs are allowed in the stadium!
Kirstie
Let us not get confused here. The grandiose idea of a national stadium wasnt a bad idea. Putting it on one of the country's busiest ports was. At the time more than a few Aucklanders figured out that whatever happened we would end up picking up the tab. How right we were. Build the cheap upgrade to Eden Park if you wish or turn North Harbour into a decent National stadium. As I dont follow or even like rugby I will be happy to move out of the region to avoid paying for it.
Bluesfan
What is all the fuss about Aucklanders? A minority of you wanted Eden Park so you got it! Okay so the Eden Park Trust lied about having the money so what? You made enough noises about Eden Park and knew the repercussions if it went ahead and now you don't want to play ball and pay for it? Tough luck! And would all the drop kicks living overseas who are ashamed to be NZers just stop it right there. You live overseas so you have no say in it, otherwise you would be here paying taxes and contributing to our economy. Instead you choose to live abroad so would you all please just be ashamed at yourselves for not living here and paying taxes to this wonderful country of ours.
Mike
I would like to know who is paying these councillors to decide (over a long period of time) that we cannot have a waterfront stadium or spend our money on the Eden park upgrade? This is democracy at its worst.
Ben (Brisbane)
Can I state that over here we now have this state of the art stadium called Suncorp that was built because this forward thinking first world city needed a new modern sports arena. It cost this one city $360 million without any moaning about cost. Yes we are just so rich over here, poor Auckland and NZ it must hard what with you being so poor. Amazing you lot never stop moaning a pathetic $190 Million to tart up some old sports shack. Please you lot are a joke. Seen pictures of that thing you have the cheek to call a stadium. Talk about hideous.
John Sharkey
Brian what on earth is going on here in NZ with the main stadium upgrade for the world cup? Why is Mr Mallards govt providing only 20 million when Mr Cullen collected eight billion extra tax dollars over and above what his treasury department had budgeted for. We seem to have a Government pleading poverty while they have fleeced NZ and Labour then have the absolute gaul to announce proposed tax and rate increases for Aucklanders to fund the stadium. If the temporary seating is going to cost 170-190 million and then be removed I and many of my overseas rugby supporters wont be bothering. Having attended and viewed many overseas rugby stadiums, I cant see Eden park moving away from the embarrassment that it has been for a long time. Maybe the final should be hosted at Jade stadium.
Brendon
This is awesome example of the small mindedness of Kiwis to be seen by the whole world. This is a world class event not a high school Friday night disco venue. When we were chosen to host it. If they only knew! If we pull it off, it will be the last time the world comes here. The proof is in the pudding.
Phil Hirst
What is wrong with this country?! I am now just waiting for the news that, due to Aucklands incapability to stand up and do something radical for a change (and in time!), the World Cup will be taken away from NZ and given to Australia and I would laugh out loud! The Eden Park upgrade is an embarrassing cop-out. Let us show the world what we can do. Temporary seating, woah yeah! Here was a huge opportunity, going... going... wasted! Unbelievable, mind blowing, twits.
Mike
I am happy to contribute. I imagine what would be required of each ratepayer is tiny in any case. Why the hell are the council/regional council continuing to hold things up? They denied the building of a brilliant structure on the waterfront and now they are looking to stall Eden Park. Pull your heads in councils. Do what is right for Auckland.
Corrie
Yes, its true, NZ couldnt plan or manage its way out of a paper bag. As far as funding goes. Didnt Helen Clark go to London (or whereever) to plead the case for NZ hosting the World Cup?. If so, shouldnt the Govt pay the costs. However, I am sure they will manage to extract as much money as possible off Auckland ratepayers. If that is the case then the ratepayers should be reimbursed from the profit (e.g. money earned from televison broadcasts etc) with cheques made out to each individual ratepayer who has contributed.
Barry
Rugby is now a professional sport and should be self funded like any other business. If it isnt profitable for the Rugby Union to fully fund the work it should not be done. It is a straight business decision.
Troy
As much as I feel for the bleeding hearts who are wondering why all of this money isnt being pumped into the healthcare and educational frameworks instead, I can not help but think that for such a self-avowed sports mad society, there seems to be a real problem with sorting out a world class sporting venue. Then again, New Zealand sports and the notion of being happy with being second best often go hand in hand, and when the headline proclaims the approval of a "downgraded" Eden Park option, its just more of the same. New Zealands a proud sporting nation? There is not one sporting arena in the country that truly reflects it. Say what you will about the excesses of the Americans, but they are not afraid to create awesome structures which draw as much interest and admiration as the events that they host within.
Mark Bradman
Could someone please explain what is meant by the so-called temporary seating and a temporary roof versus their permanent alternatives? Does it mean that they are not solid enough to last beyond the 2011 Rugby World Cup? Does it mean we are only renting them and have to give them back once we've finished with them (what would be the resale value is of a used stadium roof)? If the temporary stands are as good as any permanent seating currently at Eden Park as Mr Mallard suggests, why dont we leave up the temporary versions once they are erected and just call them permanent? If not, then perhaps we could investigate making the whole ground temporary rolling it out only for weekend rugby matches?
Cameron Langton
What a bunch of backward, inbred hicks kiwis are! That proposed stadium is an embarrassment! NZ should never have been given the hosting rights in the first place!
Richard Falch
All these people complaining over the fact that a revamp of Eden park isnt sufficient etc. I fully understand and fully understood their views on the matter. If only they had bothered to consider my proposal of building a new national stadium on Browns island instead all the other proposals put forwards by the different councils in our country, we could have had a stadium that would have been ideal for the world cup and any other games be they rugby, soccer, etc. In the future and a facility where one could hold a huge variety of concerts and other cultural events for many years to come. It would also pay for itself quite quickly and thus lessen the weight of it on our councils.budgets, as well as on the New Zealand taxpayers. It would also help to create more employment thanks to the crowds being drawn to whatever would be taking place in it, and add a new tourist magnet/attraction, also increasing employment for all New Zealanders. The other thing is that Browns island which has the added advantage of being out of town and earshot ( noise, trouble etc ) is probably the only piece of land in the whole of our country which was bought outright from the Maori tribe who owned it originally following the traditional Maori customs of the day by its two Pakeha settlers( they wrote a book about everything that happened then, and it is well worth reading ) it makes complete all round sense! Al other the proposals are flawed one way or the other, sadly; but there it is. look at it properly and you will see its the only logical step to follow.
Marcus
I hope as an Akl Rate Payer that I will get good seats at a good price (if not free) What a waste of money. Should have gone to Wellington or Christchurch. Eden park is an old dinosaur that takes to long to get to, to long to get in, to long to get a beer and chips and then way to long to get out again.
Paul Martin
Here we go again - Aucklanders are being expected to fund Central Government's "bright ideas." What happened to the $500 million the Government was prepared to spend on the waterfront option? Amazingly it has evaporated. Its time ordinary New Zealanders sat up and said no. The Government has decided so the Government should pay.
James
If the local councils, the cabinet, the eden park trust board, a representative for Auckland rate payers and Trevor Mallard sat down to discuss the matter over lunch. it would take them all a couple of hours to decide what to order, an argument over whether to have starters would ensue, and the final decision would be to do a runner when the waiter brings the bill. Meanwhile, those of us who claimed with blind patriotism that NZ can host a Rugby World Cup we can be proud of are about to tuck into a substantial piece of humble pie. Please sir, can I have some more?
George
I am a bit confused. Did the government not propose a magnificent venue for the RWC and promise to fund it? The proposal was shot down by Aucklanders and now that Auckland gets what it wants (to the embarrassment of this nation) they dont want it.
Nick Stewart
After hearing the plans I think its a waste of money and also an embarrassment to New Zealand to turn such an event into a mockery. If the World Cup went to Japan or another country you know they will put on a show and build a spectacular stadium and hear we are with temporary seating and a poor attempt at a new stadium. I would want my money to go to something that is a world class stadium and something that im proud of.
Liz
If the council has the money to pay for it why should we have to cough up more money than they already have. As Aucklanders don't they feel that we have contributed enough?
Nick Hay
If I am going to have to pay for the stadium then I would rather pay for the $320 million option.
Bruce
The trust board has $160m lined up from its own coffers and grants and is hoping taxpayers and ratepayers will fund the shortfall. Given the size of the shortfall from this cheaper option is negligible, the government alone should provide the balance. But if the trust board begins to reduce it's own contribution, compensation for this should come from other local sources. The important issue now is improving transport links to this park and ending the pathetic cringe and whinge factor, our chip on the shoulder "nationalism". The ultimate events/stadium is not in the suburbs, it is on the waterfront. That is now a republican era icon project concept for c2020. Start planning now Auckland and you might be ready.
Brad Santo
I agree with most views here. I am ashamed to be a kiwi on that decision. Poor effort New Zealand, very very very poor. Some sort of vision for the future we have isn't it ? A promise of a world class stadium, well Eden Park is NOT world class stadium I'm sorry to say, and yes I am from Auckland. Wake up and smell the coffee. Absolutely dreadful decision.
D.Tunnicliffe
When will we learn , some things you just dont nickel & dime, spend the money up front ( Once ). We as a nation keep inventing ways to look like the poor country cousin. Are we determined to do it right or not ?
Norman Burns
With global warming it may not be a problem but if it buckets down all those people in the temporary stand will get drenched. Why not an all covered stadium??
Pete
What a pack of absolute whingers. Eden Park is getting a $200M upgrade, capacity increased for the RWC, permanent better quality seating and the terraces get retained so cheaper tickets to see the All Black tests will still be available. Bet none of you buggers either go there or are prepared to pay for the $400M option anyway Want it all but not prepared to pay for it.
Lee
Evidently the government is so assured of getting its votes from Auckland that it is happy to mess its people around. I think Mallard wanted a monument to himself in the shape of a waterfront stadium. He tried to ram it through double-quick thinking a ridiculous time frame to 'make a decision' would cow resistance. But when he didnt get his own way, went into sulk mode. And this is the result; a half-baked compromise. A real monument to any politician would be to build a couple of hospitals and maybe modernise the schools. Make mine a Tui!
Bruce
Like anything controversial, the negative minority make the most noise and they certainly are about the decision on Eden Park! For every person who is ashamed, embarrassed, pissed-off or whatever, you can times them by 1000 who are like me - stoked that we have a World Cup venue in 2011. By the time the games roll around we, and the rugby world will be buzzing and watching the event. Auckland will be on the world scene again and the All Blacks will make us proud! Come on you lot... we are only a small country but with the best rugby team in history!
CTC
Totally ashamed of my own country and ashamed of living in Auckland. Totally no vision at all for the future of the country. The rest of the world is laughing at us now. We proved ourselves is useless and hopeless bugger who can not do anything but fighting over and over again but end up the worst solution. Money shouldnt be a issue at this event (our government/councils/ARC is rich enough), our aim is to build a world-class stadium no matter where it is!! Focus on the benefit that would bring into our economy, not only in year 2011 but also will continues benefit our country in anyway. Politicians please at least look at our neighbour see how they hosted Olympics in 2000.
Lance Beste
Unfortunately the whole exercise has been a bit of a farce driven by egos. Not too far from the previous disaster that failed. I hope this doesn't fail because it is so important to most New Zealanders. If Aucklanders have to pay towards this facility then surely they should get something in return especially as it is mostly temporary. Or people outside of the area should pay a premium. This is undoubtedly a national event and that is why the Government is involved therefore it should be paid for nationally. It is still a shame that we cant develop a permanent stadium in a sensible location that will ensure we can handle more such events in the future. Now it is probably too late. Then we are suffering with our roads now because we didnt invest wisely in areas such as light rail years ago. Nothing changes.
Ian Morine
I suggest to anyone that is criticising the final decision by government for a cheap upgrade of Eden Park for the 2011 Rugby WC, to take a good look at exactly what has happened since October last year.
Auckland and NZ had a golden opportunity to build (with plenty of time available) the Waterfront Stadium here, 100 per cent paid for by the government. This stadium would have quickly become an iconic building known world wide for its innovative design and location. Instead we had Mike Lee from the ARC, putting paid to that idea, simply to protect his precious ports of Auckland, which only had to be moved a little down Quay Street, to make way for the stadium. I totally agree with the person that wrote in saying currently the wharves are an eyesore to international visitors. I would like to add that they are a total disgrace and a blight on the face of Auckland. As is Mike Lee and the ARC to Auckland also. This is the best example of a "lost opportunity" that I can think of in Aucklands history, if you ignore the reaction to Mayor Robbie's desire to have a proper public transport system in Auckland many years ago.
Terry Short
Well done New Zealand. Another fix up job with number eight wire. The Government and all who sail with her continue their downsizing of New Zealand and the national Pride. Is it any wonder that overseas based Kiwis are reluctant to return to a home littered with petty politics and a culture based on cottage industries and the encouragement of mediocrity. At least the Rugby provides an oasis from the despair.
Brad
I dont know why we are having this debate. The government warned us that if we didnt vote for a National Stadium on the waterfront then Auckland would be footing the bill. Now can we just get a move on please?
James Gray
The govt has gone for a cheap option and it looks like it. The eastern terraces, from the pics, continue to have no symmetry as a structure and will continue to provide poor viewing for the spectator. Nor will the lack of atmosphere be remedied as Eden Park will remain without a concourse and not be fully enclosed. EP is and will be, under this plan, a second rate facility and an utter embarrassment for a sporting nation. Why not be slightly innovative and put this money into Albany Stadium/ Carlaw to create something world class and permanent? However, that would be asking too much of our governors.
Jeremy Jones
I am outraged at the idea that I (as an Auckland rate payer) could be forced into help paying for the rugby stadium upgrade. I follow rugby in the most minimal way, occasionally watching an international on TV. I do not physically go to watch games and will not be attending the World Cup. The stadium is not for my benefit, nor others like me. With the huge entrance fees, advertising revenue, sponsorships and other income generated by the game, why should I be forced to subsidise the game whilst others (including players and promoters) profit so much from it. If the stadium is such a sound business proposition, it should easily be able to pay for itself.
Chris
Wasnt the option to complete North Harbour only $200 million? Wouldnt that make far more sense to put the money towards Albany than giving more money to the Eden Park Trust board who have been dishonest and deceitful throughout this whole process and are not interested in whats best for Auckland or NZ. Eden park will never be first class, years of mismanagement and lack of vision by the Eden park trust board have seen to that. What a disgrace for Auckland and NZ this whole pathetic saga has been and it has made us look like country bumpkins.
Sam (Australia)
I was at the match where nearly 110,000 people watched the ABs beat the Want-a-bes, I like tens of thousands of others was also sitting in temporary seating which is long gone, if its good enough for the Olympics its good enough for the RWC. The facts are the ARC stuffed up by denying Auckland the Stadium that would have livened the city up and made NZ proud, only Aucklanders can prevent this happening again, get rid of the idiots at the ARC. Yes we are delivering the IRB more than we promised so there is no chance of loosing it. Is it too late to build the waterfront stadium. forget this crap about there being no parking. 200,0000 people an hour can access the Sydney Stadium by train and during the 2003 RWC similar numbers were bused in, 50,000 is not a possibility for Eden Park but easy for Britomart. Eden Park is dead and no amount of cash will bring it to life, putting make-up on a corpse doesnt make it attractive and spending more on make up is silly. Either accept the temporary seating and be thankful that you are getting this or do what any forward think country would do and build the proper facilities (the Waterfront Stadium).
Simon
As a proud New Zealander I am ashamed at the lack of vision shown by our leaders. The RWC should have been the catalyst needed to build a world class sporting venue. We will be considered a joke by the rest of the sporting world! Way to go Mallard, Hubbard and co.
Andrew Robertson
At least a decision has been made. Not everyone will agree and I certainly dont like Eden Park but we are running out of time for an alternative. We should remember that this is still going to cost more than the Govt originally had supported. Many people have responded in saying that we may never host the cup again. I totally disagree. At current rates rugby will continue to grow but commercially and television wise not too fast for us not to stay in touch.
The World Cup in 2011 should still be a huge success. Apart from the fact we will keep patting ourselves on the back about it and continually asking foreign dignitaries to tell us how good we are (hell why do kiwis need to seek praise about themselves all the time) we will hold a great World Cup in 2011 because we are small and the whole place will be a big village of rugby. We could well host the cup here again in the next 30 years and perhaps by that time we may have sorted out our inferiority complex, small mindedness of local bodies, lack of vision and have something the World Cup could be held in by 2037.
Nobody will remember the temporary seating of the coming world cup. The only thing left to sort out properly is the train transport in and out of the ground. Certainly you shouldn't have to catch 2 trains to go to Eden Park into Newmarket then Britomart and Eden Park. This may not happen all the time but happens too often. Now just get on with it!
Carl
I am glad they are not doi