Auckland councillors 'appalled' by mayor's handling of stadium report

Monday, 21 May 2018

Artist's impression of the waterfront stadium that was considered more than 10 years ago.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff is under attack from within as some of his councillors hit out at his handling of the waterfront stadium report.

Councillors Efeso Collins and John Watson have criticised Goff's handling of a pre-feasibility report from PwC which looked into the pros and cons of building a new waterfront stadium in the city centre versus redevelopment at Eden Park.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff is off side with a number of his councillors for how he has handled the waterfront stadium report.

They claim the report can only be viewed in his office under supervision.

The report found a new stadium, which would have a retractable roof and could seat up to 55,000 spectators, would cost up to $1.5 billion – $700 million more than it would cost to bring Eden Park up to international standards.

Albany ward councillor John Watson says money should first be going into suburban Auckland communities struggling to cope with their sporting needs, rather than a waterfront stadium.

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While it was hoped the report would provide clarity and help finalise a decision on whether or not either option was a genuine possibility, it has instead concluded that a further, more detailed report is needed.

Albany councillor Watson said the repeated refusal of Goff to give Auckland councillors a copy of the report prompted one to make an official complaint to the Ombudsman, he said.

'This report cost nearly $1 million of ratepayers' money, that's $9000 a page, yet he won't even let elected representatives have a copy,' Watson said.

As it stands, councillors have only been able to see the un-redacted copies of the report if they go to the mayoral office and are overseen by mayoral staff.

Watson remained opposed to the stadium, saying Auckland made its decision on the issue back in 2009.

'Constantly resurrecting the idea of a waterfront stadium and paying big money to consultants isn't going to change that.'

Collins said the lack of trust from the mayor was 'disappointing' and ultimately felt the report was a waste of ratepayer money.

'I have been absolutely appalled by how this has been handled,' he said.

'It is not a high trust environment where we have to go up to the mayors' office to view this report under the eye of his staff. I suspect he fears information could be leaked, but that is his issue. We are the elected members of Auckland if he does not trust us with the findings, who will he trust?

'I'm appalled that we spent $1m on this report which has told us nothing new. That's double the amount of money we spend on fighting homelessness annually.'

Councillor Sharon Stewart said she attended a briefing by Goff into the stadium's pros and cons. She and two other councillors were present.

However, it offered little clarity, and she had not seen the report itself, she said.

'The way this has been handled has a number of us very upset, and quite frankly confused.'

Goff said the likelihood of New Zealand hosting a major international event would advance the need for a decision sooner rather than later.

However spending for a new stadium was down on the list of council priorities with transport, housing and environment taking precedent, he said.

'Although initial discussions with Government have been positive, they have clearly indicated that they have more urgent priorities to address,' he said.

Several key stakeholders remain divided on the proposed build.

Eden Park chief executive Nick Sautner said Auckland already had 'a stadium for all'.

Auckland Council needed to carefully consider the substantial public investment already made in Eden Park and the value that would be lost if they chose to build a new stadium, he said.

'I think it's important to fairly compare a possible new stadium with Eden Park, including the costs of further developing Eden Park to provide any additional features that may be part of a new stadium including a retractable roof.

'Eden Park has a proven track record in hosting the largest sporting events in the country and is ready, willing and able to continue to perform that role.'

Heart of the City spokeswoman Viv Beck said the business association was all for a new stadium, provided it was well thought out and planned for.

'We are pro-waterfront stadium, understanding however that there is a lot more to be done first,' she said.

'People want a central entertainment hub where they can go to an event and walk to different restaurants and hotels afterwards.

'This is a chance to get it right. We are a growing international city and we have to think about the future and this is something, potentially, that we could really shape our city around.'