7 December 2006

Governance and funding options for Eden Park stadium

Central government has invited Auckland City to convey their preference for the design, governance and funding of Eden Park, as the preferred stadium for the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Auckland City will also provide advice on the Resource Management Act challenges and regulatory risks associated with the revised $385m Eden Park stadium design.

"Now that a decision has been reached to host the Rugby World Cup 2011 at Eden Park, we can convey our preferences for funding and governance depending on confirmation of the nature of the stadium design", says Councillor Richard Northey, Chairman of the Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee.

Auckland City will communicate to central government its preliminary objectives in relation to governance of Eden Park including: maximising varied use of the facility, minimising risk to the council, maximising community access, sensitivity to its neighbourhood, responsiveness and adaptability; and ability to coordinate management of stadia across the region.

The Eden Park Trust Board (EPTB) has identified six potential governance options:

* EPTB grants a long term lease of Eden Park to a newly created Trust Board which governs and manages the redeveloped stadium;

* A new Board is established with members appointed by EPTB and major new stakeholder members;

* A new Board is established with members appointed by the Minister for Sport and Recreation;

* A new Board is established with members appointed by the Minister for Sport and Recreation and elected or appointed by EPTB;

* A new Board is established with members appointed by the relevant Local Authorities;

* A new agency is established to govern and manage all stadia in Auckland.

A further report on the governance and funding options will be presented to the Economic Development and Sustainable Business Committee early in February 2007.

ENDS

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