Readers' Views: Where should our rugby stadium be? Part 2

Today the idea has been proposed that a downtown sports stadium is the best solution for rugby's 2011 World Cup.

This would mean a move for Auckland's "home of rugby" from Eden Park to this new waterfront location.

What are your thoughts? Is it sacrilege to even consider relegating the hallowed turf of Eden Park to history? Or has the time well and truly come for rugby to move on?

This Readers' Views page is now closed. Thanks for your comments.

Eden Park is a dinosaur. Having a major international stadium based in a resendential area makes no sense, it is hard to get to with Auckland's poor public transport system and has insufficient parking and roads for private transport. Even worse it is hard to get out of especially for those who enjoy a beer at the game and would like to carry on with a beer afterwards. Having a stadium surrounded by bars, hotels and restaurants that a waterfront site would offer is a no brainer especially from the point of view of visitors to Auckland (and Auckland bar and restaurant owners). Just look at Wellington and Hamilton Stadiums, they offer a much more enjoyable experience when attending a game there without the frustration of being stranded at the stadium or stuck in traffic for hours afterwards.

- - - posted 16.00 Sept 13 by Paul

Auckland needs this so badly. It will add a heart and soul to the city. And it won't just be used for Rugby & Cricket. It could be used for big concerts like U2. Big Day Outs, X-Games & even Speedway. The Soccer World Cup could be in Australasia in the future too, we need to show the world we are ready!!

- - - posted 16.00 Sept 13 by AJ

YES! Definitely the waterfront Site. Eden Park is yesterday's venue. It has too many problems associated with a residential area - Residents Privacy - Parking - Policing. etc. The waterfront site is Auckland and New Zealand's opportunity to stake a claim for Maturity, Vision, Business Acumen, Common Sense and National Pride I would rather see public money and ratepayers money spent on this site - provided of course they do it right - NO scrimping on design and construction. Most of all NO POLITICS. Go for it. We won't regret it and the world will applaud us for our courage and foresight.

- - - posted 15.46 Sept 13 by Ed Smallwood

Great idea, the waterfront will be the best place for the new stadium. It will be close to that new arena, transport, hotels, and above all, the pubs and clubs. But please call it Eden Park.

- - - posted 15.46 Sept 13 by NimaL

A waterfront stadium is a fantastic idea. I believe it would only enhance Aucklands skyline rather than destroy it. Torontos stadium is a great comparison. And whoever said that it would have a negative effect on public transport is totally wrong! Have they ever been to a game at Eden Park? I normally have to park about 3 kms away and then sit in traffic going nowhere. If the stadium is built on the waterfront my car can stay at home.

- - - posted 15.46 Sept 13 by Brad

The waterfront is the best place for the stadium. The CBD can easily absorb 60,000 people after a match and business will reap far greater rewards than if the stadium was to remain in Mt Eden. The city would thrive after a game where as poor Mt eden would strangle

- - - posted 15.46 Sept 13 by Jeff

It is about time New Zealand built a decent stadium. One purpose built. It is ridiculous having sports fields half built for cricket, and half built for rugby. They are too small to be quality cricket grounds and too big and far away to be watching rugby. The Hamilton rugby ground and cricket grounds are two great examples, probably the best grounds for their respective sports in the countries because they are built solely for the one sport! Auckland needs the same!

- - - posted 15.45 Sept 13 by scott

A massive financial and emotional investment is already sunk in Eden Park, which makes it difficult to wrench such an important sporting world event away from such a spiritual home. However, the payback should not be ignored from starting a world-class stadium from scratch in a locale that offered secondary benefits not possible in its current location (pre- and post-match entertainment, transport infrstructure, proximity to CBD workers for weeknight games to name but a few). Has anyone considered a logical funding mechanism that should also appease the Eden Park resident groups? Lets commit wholeheartedly to a new (rugby and concert) stadium the nation can be proud of near the CBD, and tear down Eden Park and redevelop it into lucrative residential development and green parks? It must be some of the most valuable residential 9 hectares of land in the country.

- - - posted 15.44 Sept 13 by Anton

I have attended each Rugby World Cup and have been so impressed with the stadia overseas. Not so with Eden Park which despite its great history has passed its time. We dont need a white elephant on prime waterfront land and Carlaw Park is being turned into a retirement village so the only logical choice is to complete North Harbour. Has to be far more cost effective and they can spend the balance on a light rail track that follows the northern motorway.

- - - posted 15.42 Sept 13 by Brett Barclay

It's about time Auckland started to think about doing something bold. It has a fantastic harbour but the city is an absolute mess. Something like this will bring more focus to the downtown area and really make a statement we can be proud of. Imagine the world seeing fantastic pictures of our city and waterfront stadium on TV. I've seen the All Blacks play at the Millenium stadium in Cardiff. It is right in the city, close to the central train station, on the river waterfront and is absolutely fantastic. The city was alive after the game. Eden park is in the middle of boring middle-class suburbia (yawn) and will always be difficult to get to even with upgraded rail. Enough said.

- - - posted 15.42 Sept 13 by Carl

The Waterfront is an excellent idea, get rid of a tired old stadium in the suburbs (even once the upgrade has been done), to put it simply it will still look ugly compared to the awesome stadiums around the world, including Wellington's. Lets have something in Auckland that we can be proud of and enjoy going to!

- - - posted 15.41 Sept 13 by Grant Gerrard

Instead of building houses and apartments at the old quarry out in mt wellington, why not build a roofed stadium of about 70,000 there instead of catering for all the new immigrants to our country with housing. It can be used for cricket and any other sport for that manner, because surely after the planned developments to Eden Park it is not going to be up to hosting international cricket matches with reduction in size to the field. Either knock all of Eden Park down and rebuild or build another stadium relevant for todays need and the future elsewhere instead of wasting money on rebuiding in a place that takes an hour to get out of after matches.

- - - posted 15.40 Sept 13 by James

Fantastic Idea! And one with some vision. Let’s face it Eden Park is NOT, and NEVER will be, a world class venue. Even if it was torn down and rebuilt from scratch, it would still not be due to its location in the middle of suburbia away from public transport, parking and after event food and entertainment venues. Auckland is our premier city and this is a world event and we should therefore have something worthy of both to showcase ourselves to the world. A new, central, accessible location close to other venues and amenities would provide this for both this event and the long term future, and also go a long way towards lifting Auckland’s status towards becoming a world class city. Seize the moment!

- - - posted 15.35 Sept 13 by Peter N

The idea of a super stadium for Auckland is fantastic. The timing is not! There is no way to do this properly in time for the World Cup.

We do need a stadium that can cater to the big events in Auckland, but it needs to be really world class. That means it needs transport, accomodation and access to come together in an integrated design!

It needs to be central so that it can appeal to all Aucklanders, and for that reason Mt Smart and North Harbour will not work.

I'm not convinced the waterfront as suggested is the right place either. I would be more in favour of a "super" upgrade for Eden park (the hallowed turf) if access, and transport can be organised.

Sorry Eden Park dwellers, but you KNEW the park was there when you bought your houses. If you don't like it then MOVE!

- - - posted 15.35 Sept 13 by Steve Laurenson

To all the people saying the stadium will be a piece of ugliness to our water front...ummm...hello...it's already butt ugly as it is...take the boat to Devenport and look back and see for yourself!....not very flash at all!! Go the waterfront stadium all the way!! Hows this for a supposed plan..catch the train to the city bout 5.30pm-ish...few warm up brewskis at a city bar.*6.50pm begin your 5 - 10min walk to the waterfront stadium for 7.30pm kick off..*9.00pm till Early hours of the morning...party with 30,000 - 40,000 other All Black supporters celebrating a win too....Auckland will be pumping!! Geez too bad Carlaw park was not kept around...prime location.

- - - posted 15.30 Sept 13 by Vini

The idea of avoiding the upgrade of Eden Park is, finally, a sign of some sanity prevailing. Eden Park is a DISASTER - ask any Lions, Wallabies or SA fan who has visited. Wake up - its a national embarressment. And on top of that the Trust has the audacity to trump up with a piecemeal plan for an upgrade that leaves one archaic stand remaining and leaves that end of the ground open. Honestly - I thought it was a joke when I first saw it. For $320m, Its an insult. Bledisloe Wharf may not be the best option (but it does look great compared to whats there now...) but at least the consideration is being given to something closer to the CBD and not in someones back yard. As Aucklanders, you can stick your head in the sand and ignore the massive flow-on benefits Wellington has received from relocating to the CBD but that would just reinforce the national thinking that you are hopeless at planning and are really not that interested in improving your city. The government is always reluctant to help out Auckland when it comes to infrastructure matters like transport. Here they are saying "we want this to happen for Auckland and are prepared to make it happen". Why on earth would you turn that down?

- - - posted 15.27 Sept 13 by BSA

The Wynyard Point vision that reoccurs for me is that of an Auckland volcanic cone–amphitheatre—a stunning City of Sails vantage point. Now, could we devise a stadium that 'opened' to provide a 60,000-seat view of Waitemata Harbour events, or concerts with a harbour backdrop. A conventional stadium looks inward—Auckland’s new stadium needs to gaze upon her sparkling waters.

- - - posted 15.20 Sept 13 by Peter Cole

I believe Eden Park should just be upgraded rather than building a totally new park just for 2011, Eden Park has been round for a long time and i think it deserves its chance to host the world cup.

- - - posted 15.19 Sept 13 by Rita Sialafau

Downtown far better site for world class stadium. if not Bledisloe Wharf, Tank Farm or Victoria Park are all far better sited for transport all options ie Trains, ferries, buses etc. Leave Eden Park residents alone.

- - - posted 15.15 Sept 13 by Gaye

Interesting how this announcement follows the closing of public submissions on the proposed Eden Park development where "fresh opposition" has caused the Government to review options. It could go down as one of the best ideas to come out of this Labour Government however, I feel it is only a distraction and we will see the re-development of Eden Park for all the wrong reasons where local residents will suffer the consequences long after the curtain falls on the World Cup. Lastly to Adam Roy, you are clearly ill-informed in your assertion that all residents knew what they were moving to. The issue residents have is that the proposed development exceeds permitted building heights (by a long way), casts extensive shadows over neighbouring properties and will look like a "close encounter of our own kind" has descended on central Auckland. Far from protecting a heritage area it will positively harm it. Then you have transport matters blah blah blah...

- - - posted 15.08 Sept 13 by Greg Wheeler

How about somewhere where land is cheaper. A 60,000 seat stadium would be a visual blight on the waterfront ,empty most of the time and occupying some of the most valuable real estate in the country.

Dumb idea.

- - - posted 15.03 Sept 13 by Bob

Brilliant!!! The life and heart of Auckland and NZ is its coast and hence needs to have its cultural, (both arts and sporting) centre at the waterfront. Think the Sydney Opera House or the Esplanade in Singapore. The tank farm and viaduct also need to be part of this integral plan to substantiate Auckland into a world class city.

- - - posted 15.00 Sept 13 by Ari

A logical proposal that taps into the existing transport and entertainment infrastructure and a chance to create a world class iconic facility highlighting the harbour precinct. As oppossed to an Eden Park extension buried in a residential suburb. My view as a rugby supporter - bring on the downtown stadium - it will be the best thing for the game!

- - - posted 15.00 Sept 13 by Matt Feary

Why not spend the money on further developing North Harbour Stadium as there would seem ample space there to do so. It is also close to motorway access and bus terminals and it is away from residential areas. Worth a thought surely??

Does Auckland warrant yet a further stadium (as is currently being suggested)!? There has been recent comment that there are already too many.

- - - posted 14.44 Sept 13 by Graham Wallace

We don't have time to build a new stadium at the Harbour - 2011 will be here before we know it. Eden Park is the best bet - sorry to those suggesting North Harbour, but are you proposing a new harbour bridge as well as an upgrade? It's the only way you'll get all the people there to see the games because there may be lots of parking at North Harbour, but there ain't no hotels.

Part of the joy of having the world cup here in New Zealand is the final at Eden Park - the home of the ALL BLACKS, the mystical rugby warriors of New Zealand - sorry Wellington, you may have the politicians, but you don't have the rugby mana.

As for the residents around Eden Park - you knew the park was there when you bought your houses. Suck it up.

- - - posted 14.37 Sept 13 by Annie Whittaker

Although I, like many others would love to see rugby stay at Eden Park it is only for sentimental reasons. Having travelled to stadiums in other countries Eden Park is unfortunately not up with any of them due to the piecemeal design/upgrades over the years now we have an chance to start from scratch. This would also be a fantastic opportunity to add an architectural icon to the Auckland cityscape and to inject some much needed life into the waterfront. Then we could have a world class rugby ground and Eden Park could become a world class cricket venue instead of a sub-par stadium for both.

- - - posted 14.30 Sept 13 by Mark Hamilton

This is a fantastic idea that needs to be encouraged while such an opportunity exists. A comprehensive designed facility could be a real show piece and something that everyone in NZ can be proud of and benefit from. Whilst Eden Park is a good venue and has the history it is dated, piecemeal in design (even with the upgrade works) and in a residential area, that is deficient of public transport and hospitality facilities. If the venue was closer to the CBD imagine Auckland after a major game the town would actually have a vibe and people would be drawn together to comiserate / celebrate as opposed to now where most people go their own separate way at the end of a game.

- - - posted 14.11 Sept 13 by Greg Aitken

No Way!! What an effrontery by Trevor Mallard. Who does he think is going to pay for this - not the Government. There are only 500,000 ratepayers from the 7 regions. Waitakere & North Shore are already paying for Stadiums of which North Harbour had to be bailed out by the ratepayers. Then there is Ericcson, Trusts Stadium Waitakere, Eden Park, and the new one by the Auckland railway station. We are not big enough for a further one. And what a monstrosity to sit on our waterfront if the picture in the Herald is anything to go by.

- - - posted 14.11 Sept 13 by Paula Hodkinson

Fantastic idea, Plant a dirty great white elephant infront of the only truly imaginative redevelopment going on. Here we have a company spending hundreds of millions of dollars redeveloping the buildings around Britomart and now we go and completely block the views of the waterfront. And what use will it be after the world cup it will become another stadium like North Harbour which cannot afford to meet its running costs. Sure the cost might only be $350m but what is the additional costs of providing half decent public transport to the new venue. The fact that Dick Hubbard supports the idea should tell you its a bad one. In fact anything connected to or supported by the Auckland City council or the Government should be treated with the contempt they deserve. Plus it will never be built on time because we only have 5 years and it will take at least ten years to get through the Resource Management Act.

- - - posted 14.09 Sept 13 by DavidQ

I can't see why you would want to build something right on the water that takes no advantage whatsoever of being on the water. If we really need a whole new stadium, is there no way we can use the land Carlaw park currently sits on? That's central, close to the motorway and close enough to britomart and in an area that could do with some development.

Of critical concern is if certain energy predictions are to be believed, we are going to need all the port space possible if air transport becomes un-economical.

- - - posted 14.06 Sept 13 by Todd

It's about time! Auckland and really the whole of New Zealand has struggled with patched up, cobbled together options for so many infrastructure items. Some sort of historic element may make Eden Park the likely choice for the final but it sure doesn't make it the best option. We should plan for the future not the past. Any central greenfield site should be considered, what about the tank farm, Carlaw Park and the Epsom Show Grounds they all have good access.

What ever the choice just make sure it's a Rugby stadium not a composite arena that fails to meet the needs of our premier sport.

- - - posted 14.02 Sept 13 by John Tizard

Plonking another stadium on Auckland's waterfront would be a travesty. Million dollar views, so we build a circular building which we sit inside and look at.. grass. We could have a world class multi-purpose structure such as the Sydney Opera House, which makes the most of this amazing location. Sorry, rugby isn't the be all & end all for everyone, and as far as the world cup goes, well they should have thought about that before we got the rights. Auckland has enough sports stadiums, we don't need a new one.

- - - posted 13.52 Sept 13 by Andre

As a Wellingtonian who came and saw the Hurricanes deal to the Blues at Eden Park last year I can only say "Aucklanders get with the programme". Eden Park sucks as a venue. It took us over 1 hour to travel from the CBD to the venue and it was an absolute nightmare getting out of there afterwards. And that was with about 30,000 attendees from memory. I can't see that getting any better by the time the RWC rolls around (and will probably be alot worse). Of course, if you want international rugby fans enduring memory of Auckland to be traffic jams and queues, then leave it at Eden Park. The waterfront venue is inspired. You only need to look at the WestpacTrust Staium here in Wellington to see the benefits from what a considered and motivated approach can bring. As to Eden Park's history, the same could be said for Athetic Park. A modern, purpose built stadium is streets ahead of a gerry-built ramshackle of stands. Ask anyone that has recently attended a test at either Auckland or Wellington - the WestpacTrust Stadium wins hands down for fan comfort, accessability, viewing..... I could go on.

- - - posted 13.50 Sept 13 by Geoff

Why ruin the waterfront with a stadium? Eden Park needs to be replaced, I agree. What about the site of Carlaw Park? There is a rail line right beside it, there is space, it is central. I think it would make the best site for a new stadium in the city.

- - - posted 13.50 Sept 13 by Michael Stevens

As you can see from the previous comments everyone has a opinion and I'm just scared we are going to spend the next 4 years arguing where it should go and 'whoops the world cups next year...bloody hell to late...don't we look stupid'. Build or renovate I don't care. All I want to see is that it's ready on time for the World Cup. Oh and a few more million towards it from the governament and the NZRFU wouldn't be a bad idea either

- - - posted 13.49 Sept 13 by Gary

Utilise the infrastructure already in place, (ie; Britomart) and put a stadium on the waterfront, look at the huge positive effect it's had on Wellington. A dollar spent on Eden Park is a dollar wasted.

- - - posted 13.48 Sept 13 by Ian

It would be fabulous for this city and to have a waterfront stadium. Lets not have pernickety naysayers stop this great idea. It's always easier to stop ideas than it is to go ahead with them, but lets make a decision to have a world class centre for a world class and beautiful city. Eden Park, Mt Smart, Avondale are NOT locations for a focal point city stadium. Bringing attendees into the CBD before and after an event is a huge economic and social benefit too. Just do it!

- - - posted 13.47pm Sept 13 by Adam

So Mayor Hubbard said a third of the world's population would be focussed on the stadium and it was Auckland's "chance to shine" Surely, they should be focussed on the Rugby? But if anyone is focussing on stadia, then put the money towards developing North Harbour Stadium. I always thought it would be a good venue when work is completed.

- - - posted 13.42 Sept 13 by Callum

Don't let Multiplex build it - they still haven't finished Wembley

- - - posted 13.40 Sept 13 by MJ

Now this proposal makes sense. All Auckland's public transport infrastructure facilities are designed to get people to the waterfront (Britomart). A 20min walk from there to the tank farm area will take you pass many restaurants and also showcase the finest tourist area in Auckland to the foreign visitor. Many hotels are located within this area. It may cost more to build a stadium there now, but I am almost 100% sure that any rugby match will be better attended at this location in future, making it probably more economical in the long run. With all the offices in the area, it may be easy for the Auckland Rugby Union to sell Thursday night and Friday night tickets. It also creates the opportunity to give the stadium a indigenous name, like Kupe Stadium or something along those lines

- - - posted 13.37 Sept 13 by Theunis v Schalkwyk

The obvious place for a super stadium is North Harbour, if the space around it is ear-marked for parking and not developed for housing/industry and with the park and ride facility to allow easy access by public transport it's the logical choice

- - - posted 13.37 Sept 13 by Paul Osbourne

Great idea - glad it is finally getting some publicity. Eden Park Trust Board should get behind this idea and then they can take the history and mana of Eden Park to the new stadium, which could refer to "Eden Park" in its name (a lot of overseas stadiums have been "moved" e.g. Madison Square Gardens).

- - - posted 13.36 Sept 13 by Jan

At last some common sense prevails. Clearly downtown Auckland is the appropriate venue for the sadium and will assist in creating a soul for a souless city.

- - - posted 13.35 Sept 13 by Andrew

A CBD stadium would be fantastic, it will be much more accessible than Eden Park for many Aucklanders. I also look forward to what it will contribute to the atmosphere downtown. However, I don't see how constructing a whole new stadium on some pretty tricky port land would cost only $30 million more than upgrading Eden Park? Also what's going to happen to Eden Park? Dedicated cricket ground perhaps, or possibly the Warriors or the Knights?

- - - posted 13.33 Sept 13 by Adam

The latest idea to put the stadium on the Bledisloe Wharf site is almost as idiotic as the idea to put it on the Tank Farm site. If the Bledisloe Site where selected, where would the port go? If the Tank Farm Site where selected, Auckland would be missing out on an opportunity to develop prime land into a more inclusive and multi-purpose area. The new stadium should be located to capitalise on the significant public investment that is being made. Redeveloping Mt Smart Stadium is the most practical second option to Eden Park and would trigger development and regeneration projects on surrounding sites and nearby neighbourhoods of high population growth, such as Onehunga. High quality development will occur on the Tank Farm site through comprehensive design-led planning, regardless of the presence of public investment in the form of a stadium.

- - - posted 13.32 Sept 13 by B Powell

I would like to propose a 'floating' stadium. This could solve Auckland, Whangarei, Dunedin's (and almost everyone elses) stadium upgrade problem, by having one big stadium that could be towed between cities. If it was built tough enough perhaps it be 'hired' out overseas. It could also make a handy civil defence resource too. Think of the possibilities!

- - - posted 13.30 Sept 13 by Cameron

The waterfront is a great idea. Where their talking would form a buffer to the port - and we the people of Auckland claim the rest - from there to bridge. There should be cafes/bars on the outside at ground level, and walkways all around. Finally some real vision - let's see everyone get on board.

- - - posted 13.25 Sept 13 by Mark J

Dont spoil the waterfront with a long suffering greedy cashcow ie;predominant rugby stadium. Redevelop North Harbour stadium, there's plenty of room there, it's close to motorway & the wonderful new bus system being currently developed. Why do we need to jam an extra 10 - 20,000 people in for a one off event. It will be a long time before it comes back here again. Does a P Class sailor take out a Farr 1020 in a race?? Of course not, he knows his limits.

- - - posted 13.25 Sept 13 by Marj Pullman

Whilst this would be a great opportunity to build a world class stadium with accessibility to hotels, restaurants and transport, I question the accuracy of the cost estimates. Everyone knows how badly costs overrun on a building project, I suspect that estimates for the new waterfront stadium are completely under-calculated. If it 'only' costs $350m to build a brand new stadium from scratch, then surely the $320m refit of an existing stadium is grossly over-capitalised? How can an existing stadium, with existing grounds, existing parking and traffic control facilities (albeit not entirely effective), existing structures, existing catering and toilet facilities be going to cost practically as much as a brand-new-built-from-scratch stadium? Considering the time overruns of most building projects in this country (Vector Arena as just one example), I seriously doubt that NZ has the ability to pull this one off.

- - - posted 13.23 Sept 13 by Rae

I am a sentimental Eden Park fan and would love for it to be upgraded. However, now that a CBD waterfront stadium has been mooted I believe that this will, in the long term, benefit Auckland greater than upgrading Eden Park. As well as being close to public transport (which desperately needs upgrading also) the waterfront is perfect. They probably won't but having a tractable roof as well would be ideal for the wet weather in Auckland as well. Come on - do it!

- - - posted 13.22 Sept 13 by Mark

Apart from a cynical thought of why this announcement has been mabe at this point in time it feels like we are heading down a similar path to New Zealands part in hosting the last World Cup. There is one perfect venue already available for the World Cup and that is in Wellington. Smack bang in the middle of the country in a city that will fill it and all it needs (or so we are told) are a few more rows of temp seating.

- - - posted 13.19 Sept 13 by Paul

The proposed waterfront development for a super stadium is clearly the best option if it were not for the fact that the Auckland region already has three mid-sized venues. I have yet to understand why Auckland has been automatically chosen as the finals venue for the Rugby World Cup especially when the city has such an appalling infrastructure. I’m assuming that decision was hastily decided on with personal prejudice and without an informed analysis. This whole situation with Auckland stadia really does feel like forcing a square peg into a round hole to use that clique. On the other hand Canterbury have already tabled a self-funding plans for a new Eastern Stand at Jade Stadium (lifting the capacity to 43,000), and given the government/NZRU pledge of $30m towards the World Cup event, a portion of those funds to provide an additional 17,000 temporary seats could expect to be achieved at a fraction of the cost. Similarly an expansion of Wellington’s stadium capacity could be achieved at a fraction of the projected $350m price tag. Both options are a far smarter than wasting public money in trying to host the final in Auckland when other venues could be considered. The best site for Auckland’s main rugby stadium remains exactly where it is.

- - - posted 13.17 Sept 13 by Bruce

I wonder if they could put a speedway in there at the same time and deal with two sets of disgruntled residents at the same time?

- - - posted 13.14 Sept 13 by Suz Olliver

It's a better idea to build a new stadium closer to the city. Why not redevelop Carlaw Park and most of Stanly St. It's next to the CBD, railway line and motorway. It won't take up valuable port space and you'll have the history as well.

- - - posted 13.10 Sept 13 by Craig T

I don't live in Auckland but I have huge interest in the stadium development. On the surface it will reflect to world viewers where we are as a nation. It has been well documented that the Lions Tour was successful, but listening to feedback from the Britons that travelled to NZ maybe wasn't such a success. How do you measure a successful International sporting event? Crowd attendances and revenue generated by the participating economies? Or by how enjoyable and user friendly the event is for the individuals attending? Particularly those who travelled away from home. I believe we only measured the success of the Lions Tour by the former as many of the comments I read through various websites and conversations I had with Lions supporters were quite negative and for good reason. They said our stadiums were broken, our transport was non existent, the locals were hostile (good! you wouldn't get an English soccer fan welcoming a German fan for game at Wembley) and accommodation was limited. We have to work on each one of these areas (except hostility) to hold world cup that at least equals those of the past, however the goal should be to exceed and that is achievable given NZ is uniquely a rugby Mecca like no other nation. Build a stadium that we are proud of and can show off to the world, build a stadium that has a lasting legacy and provides feverish atmosphere and convenience. Build the stadium on the waterfront I say, but as I also say I don't live in Auckland and only you are the best to judge if this is a good use of the nations premiere real estate. So if to build on the Waterfront what to do with Eden? Make it the countries premiere new home of cricket, yes! Tear down the terraces and replace with a grass bank and Palm tress, tear down the South stand and replace with traditional pavilion, realign the pitch so the batters face the North stand and South Pavilion and increase the overall size of the Pitch by moving the South Pavilion further back and then you will have an Oval as opposed to the crooked diamond come slanted square that Eden Park currently provides.

- - - posted 13.05 Sept 13 by James Burns

The Stadium at the Whar