23 February 2007

Mt Smart Stadium: Under new management!

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) today announced the appointment a new Group Manager for Mt Smart Stadium.

John Lynch, former CEO of Arena Manawatu in Palmerston North, will join the ARC on 5 March.

ARC General Manager Parks Lance Vervoort says that, throughout the appointment process, Mr Lynch demonstrated a clear understanding of the key components of operating a regional stadium.

“John brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of the stadium and entertainment industry.

“This is an exciting time for Mt Smart Stadium – we will soon be opening a new function venue The John Walker Lounge, we have recently hosted around 150,000 music fans at U2 and The Big Day Out and we look forward to a competitive sporting season ahead.

“I am sure that John will find his new role both challenging and rewarding and I am pleased to welcome him into the ARC parks team,” he says.

Mr Lynch is looking forward to moving to Auckland and taking up his new position.

"I am really excited and looking forward to joining the Auckland Regional Council in my new role as Group Manager Mount Smart Stadium and working closely with the key stakeholders to maintain and build on the existing relationships and ensure a successful future for Mt Smart Stadium," he says.

This appointment follows the retirement of long-serving stadium manager Malcolm Roberts.

Mr Vervoort acknowledges the enormous contribution that Mr Roberts has made to Mt Smart Stadium.

“Malcolm has been with the ARC for more than three decades and has run the stadium for 19 years. He is known and respected by many people across the sporting and events industry.

“In his time at the ARC, Malcolm has been instrumental in Mt Smart’s evolution from a fledgling sports ground to a premier sporting and entertainment facility.

“We wish him all the very best in his retirement.”

ENDS

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