8 October 2013

Palino to keep Mt Smart for the Warriors and the speedway at Western Springs

“If elected Mayor of Auckland, I will not shift the Warriors to Eden Park or close the Western Springs speedway,” says John Palino.

“Shifting to the Warriors to a much larger stadium will kill off atmosphere, reduce the attraction of going to the game and affect the overall return on ticket sales.

“It’s not a decision that is likely to meet the needs of fans or the team, so it is critical that it is not made by a few officials in a bunker downtown based on the same sort of ill-informed projections which have undermined the CRL and Unitary Plan processes.

“Indications are that a decision will be made within the next three years as to whether major winter sports activities will be consolidated.

“The tradition of the Brown administration has been to make these decisions behind closed doors without genuine public engagement.

“Whether we’re talking about the Warriors at Mt Smart or racing at the Western Springs Speedway, or even residential living in Auckland suburbs, it is critical that the voice of those affected is given centre stage, not the Council’s models or overseas case studies.

“I’ll keep those things alive which bring life to our city, ensure that the illusion of short term gain does not destroy long term value to the region and make sure it is the people affected by decisions who ultimately make them,” said Palino.

ENDS

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