League: A bridge too far - Brewer

An artist's impression of how a North Harbour Stadium with retractable roof would look.

A leading Auckland Councillor has questioned the viability of a plan to move the Warriors to North Harbour.

The proposal to relocate the Warriors to North Harbour Stadium is likely to cause a conflict at council level, with one councillor saying it would be a "bridge too far".

As reported in yesterday's New Zealand Herald, the RFA have revealed plans for the Warriors to move over the bridge, into a refurbished North Harbour Stadium.

RFA chief executive Robert Domm said "the [Council has] given us the green light to start drilling down into the detail and start negotiating with people".

But a leading Auckland Councillor has questioned the viability of the plan, and says it's news to him.

"I have never heard about this North Shore arrangement for the Warriors," said councillor Cameron Brewer. "I've only ever heard of the proposal of them moving to Eden Park.

"I think it's probably a bridge too far expecting Warriors fans to head to the North Shore. Robert Domm has done a very hard job well but moving the Warriors to old, middle-class North Shore and hoping their fans will follow like lambs is a big call."

Domm remains confident he can achieve council support on the emotion-charged issue.

"A few months ago the message from the council was that they wanted us to get on with it," Domm said. "I think we will have support within council. Those who say they are against it need to let the process run its course. All we are doing is offering a series of options. People need to think regionally. That was the aim of the Super City."

The RFA have estimated it will cost around $70 million to future-proof Mt Smart Stadium. Work is needed on both grandstands, as well as other parts of the facility, which was redeveloped for the 1990 Commonwealth Games. But Brewer strongly disputes the high figure.

"None of us believe you need to spend $70 million on Mt Smart," Brewer said. "Yes, it's tired but surely what's actually needed can be achieved for much less money."

Warriors chief executive Wayne Scurrah is also mystified by the large amount.

"We have never asked for or insisted on a $70 million upgrade of Mt Smart Stadium," Scurrah said. "I have no idea where that figure has come from."

Warriors co-owner Eric Watson vehemently believes the Warriors need to stay in their spiritual home of Mt Smart Stadium and will fight any move to relocate them.

"They would be forcing us out of our stadium," he has said.

"You can't force sporting organisations to bend to your will. To do things that are not right for the business, stakeholders, players and fans. I can't see them doing that."

Brewer has also taken a shot at Len Brown, accusing the mayor of "abandoning the club".

"The mayor has supposedly been a huge Warriors fan, even travelling to Australia to support them in the NRL. However, on this occasion he seems to be the ultimate fairweather friend. He needs to now come out of hiding and give his view. He seems to have abandoned the club when they are most in need."

The North Harbour idea may seem like a bolt out of the blue, but it coincides with the RFA taking over the running of the Albany stadium in May this year. They have also purchased 11,000 temporary seats for next year's Fifa Under-20 World Cup and they will need to be used beyond the tournament which finishes in late June.

Domm claims North Harbour has many upsides. He points out it has averaged 17,000 for Super Rugby games and that, for a modest investment, can be turned into a "world-class facility".

"Heading into the future, one stadium has to give. The current situation is untenable," said Domm. "In terms of Mt Smart, you can't justify a business case for such spending on just one arena. Auckland has to change. Eden Park is not ICC compliant, speedway at Western Springs are restricted to just 12 events and the Warriors are playing in an ageing facility and average around 13,000 per week when the NRL wants them to be at 20,000."