The iconic Sir Michael Jones statue will remain on Walters Rd outside Entrance C at Eden Park.
The Eden Park Trust, with a contribution from Coca-Cola, has purchased the statue, to ensure it will remain outside the grounds.
The bronze statue, depicting Jones scoring the first try of the 1987 Rugby World Cup against Italy, was put up for sale in January under instructions from the liquidators of CBL Insurance Limited, which collapsed in 2018.
CBL Insurance helped fund the sculpture’s estimated $330,000 cost. Created by Auckland artist Natalie Stamilla, it has stood outside Eden Park since August 2011.
Global asset specialists Gordon Brothers, appointed by the liquidators to manage the sale, said there was no requirement for the statue to remain in situ, although the preferred outcome was for it to stay on display at Eden Park.
Amid fears the landmark could be lost, Eden Park moved swiftly to secure it, ensuring the statue remains at what many consider its rightful home.
Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said they were delighted the statue will remain at Eden Park.
“This statue represents a defining sporting moment, but it also represents something bigger – the history of our national stadium, the legacy of an extraordinary New Zealander, and the memories that make Eden Park such a special place for so many people,” Sautner said.
“The contribution provided by Coca-Cola in New Zealand to enable the purchase of this statue reflects the strength of our partnership and a shared commitment to ensuring Eden Park continues to be a destination that holds a unique place in New Zealand’s sporting and cultural history.”
It is unclear how much was paid for the statue, but the Herald understands there were several interested parties from both New Zealand and overseas.
As part of the purchase, Eden Park will also receive a miniature version of the statue, while its name will feature on a commemorative plaque.
Sautner had been working with the relevant parties for some time in a bid to avoid a bidding process, but the liquidators said a public sale was required.
The statue is a key stop on the Eden Park stadium tour. Auckland Council loomed as a potential buyer after Mayor Wayne Brown told the Herald last month the council might have to “stick a hand in the pocket” to ensure it did not leave.
Brown said he was delighted to see the statue will remain in its rightful place.
”Sir Michael is a good friend of mine and is one of the nicest guys you can meet," Brown said.
“He is an icon for the Blues and Auckland Rugby, as well as the All Blacks and his try at the 1987 World Cup has gone down as one of the most significant moments in the sport’s history.
“It’s great that sports fans will be able to continue to enjoy a statue that encapsulates something that was special for all New Zealanders.”
Jones is regarded as one of the greatest All Blacks, playing 55 tests for New Zealand, 96 games for Auckland and 35 for the Blues.
“Eden Park holds a special place in my heart, and I feel very honoured that this statue will remain where it truly belongs,” Jones said.
“I am very grateful for the efforts of the Eden Park Trust and Coca-Cola in New Zealand to achieve this amazing outcome. That moment was never just about one player.
“It was about the team, the occasion, and a very special chapter in New Zealand rugby history. To know this statue will continue to stand at Eden Park, where that memory was made, means a great deal and I hope it continues to remind everyone of what sport can mean to a nation.”
Stamilla based the sculpture on a photo taken by her father, former Herald photographer Geoff Dale. She also created the Sir Colin Meads statue in Te Kūiti.
Managing director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand Wendy Rayner said they were happy to play a role in keeping the statue at Eden Park.
“As a local business with a long history in Aotearoa, we’re proud to help keep the Sir Michael Jones statue at its landmark home within Eden Park,” Rayner said.
“The statue represents a special moment in New Zealand sporting history, and we’re pleased to play a part in ensuring it remains where that history was made.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.