Rugby Stadium

[Skyryder]

So where's your preference. It's gonna be your money so have your say.

I'm going for the water front. Might cost a bit more but I'm not that keen on tax money going to the NZRU. The water front is a true national stadium where Edan Park is not and never will be.

Skyryder

[Squeak the Rat]

Ask me after we're told how much it's going to cost.

At this stage my choice is Eden Park because it has budget based on design plans.

[Edit:] My second choice is carlaw park.
[Edit2:] They should just bloody make a decision. It won't be popular whichever way it goes.
[Edit3:] No more edits, I promise.

[MSTRS]

Where's the option for Who cares - it's only rugby? Pffft.
Besides, if there was a need for a 'national stadium', it would have been on the agenda long ago, not because of the world rugby cup.

[Dooly]

Why do I get the feeling that this whole debacle over the stadium will once again show us up as a nation of ditherers and idiots where consents and bleating about everything from all kinds will fuck up the WC hosting rights, or the stadium wont be built/finished in time and be an alround balls up.

[Squeak the Rat]

Where's the option for Who cares - it's only rugby? Pffft.

I'm not too fussed about the stadium itself. But like or hate the place Auckland looks real good from the harbour and plonking a stadium in the middle of that will change that for good. And there's the matter of the $700million (haha, yeah right) of tax payers money.

[Joni]

Yeah its a bit short sighted to say pffft its only Rugby...

The decision will affect the entire city, traffic flows etc, not to mention it will be the NZ tax payers who pay partly for this project...

I voted Eden park, taking money, traffic and parking into account....

[Pixie]

in the hauraki swamp

[placidfemme]

IMO... I'm not a huge rugby fan... generally I always pick the team thats playing against the All Blacks just to piss Sam off (yeah I'm mean... bite me).

I don't even know where Eden Park is... Somewhere near Mt Eden maybe?

They say that the stadium near the waterfront will have a walkway all the way around it (I'd use that), they also said the stadium at the waterfront could be used for a lot of things (other sports... concerts etc)... which I may use...

So in regards to it affecting me... the waterfront is the one I'd pick.

As far as the money side goes... I'd pick Eden Park simply because I don't wanna have our taxes put up to pay for the $700 million project

[The_Dover]

I say give the RWC to a developed country with the infrastructure to cope with it.

Somewhere like Kyrgyzstan.

[jrandom]

bite me

OK.

Where?

[The_Dover]

eden park would be an embarassment.

it's in the middle of a residential area with huge traffic problems and limited, piss poor transport infrastructure

the hauraki swamp would be a better choice. at least there's parking.

[Pumba]

Eden Park.

Its only 2.5km to the terrace gates from home:banana:

[Beemer]

I hate rugby and it's in Auckland so who cares?

[MSTRS]

Yeah its a bit short sighted to say pffft its only Rugby...

The decision will affect the entire city, traffic flows etc, not to mention it will be the NZ tax payers who pay partly for this project...



My point exactly. So are you arguing or agreeing with me??

[Colapop]

In light of recent press commentary around ****'s involvement in both the Eden Park Trust Board and Waterfront Stadium projects, the following statement will be issued to select members of the media and other interested parties today. It is important that we clarify our position at this time.

It is also a timely reminder to you all of ****’s role as an independent advisor and our professional responsibility to our clients. I must stress that **** cannot have a company view on the Rugby World Cup stadium selection or its process. ****’s reputation relies on the sound judgement of our people and I am confident you share this view.

For this matter in particular, *** ***** will be the **** spokesperson, and all calls from the media and other interested parties should be referred to ***.

Therefore I am unable to state a preference...

[The_Dover]

so which one do Beca stand to make more coin from then?

[Squeak the Rat]

I hate rugby and it's in Auckland so who cares?

Who cares?:

Those who like rugby
Those who live in auckland
Those who have consideration for fellow NZ'ers regardless of where they live
Those who are interested in where their hard earned tax money goes
Those who are able to grasp the wider reaching economic, social and political effects of this on the whole country

[MisterD]

Why do we have to have the "national stadium" in Auckland anyway, send it to Hamilton with the V8 and the rally we don't want anything remotely connected with fun up here.

No to the waterfront anyway because:
1) It's bloody Mallard's ego-trip
2) It'll ruin the view of the city
3) It'll ruin the view from the city
4) There's nowhere to park
5) It's near Britomart, but so what, about four trains run in and olut of there per day
6) It'll cost a Billion friggin dollars, to host one rugby match?
7) Concerts in stadiums suck.
8) If we have to build new stick it somewhere handy to Mways and the airport.....bulldoze Otahuhu!

[Swoop]

Build the damn thing wherever they like - with one proviso.

ALL the money comes from the rugby profession, sponsorship or any other means rather than the public purse.
The waterfront stadium will blow out of budget projections, by massive proportions! Who will be left to pay the bill for this gubbinment's "monument to themself"... the taxpayer.:yes:


Also, regarding the colour of the damn thing, what will happen when the first fog occurs and a containership rams into it?????:shit:

Edit: Spend the money on fixing up the traffic/roading problems around the country and providing a decent rail service!!!

[The_Dover]

Let's hope they get a better project manager and QS than the Vector Arena did......

[Swoop]

Let's hope they get a better project manager and QS than the Vector Arena did......
You neglected the Aotea Centre from that list.......

[The_Dover]

before my time so I have no grounds for comment.

I hear there's a firm in the UK that did quite a good job on the national stadium.

They should be available top start in a year or so....

[McJim]

It doesn't matter where they put it - no one will go - New Zealanders seem naturally apathetic when it comes to spectator sports preferring in their masses to watch it on telly with a few tinnies and a pizza.

It takes a city like Glasgow to sustain 3 55,000+ stadiums with a population of only 1,000,000! :Pokey:

As I've ssaid before though - with sea levels rising it'll make a great aquapark by 2011!

[MSTRS]

Who cares?:

Those who like rugby
Those who live in auckland
Those who have consideration for fellow NZ'ers regardless of where they live
Those who are interested in where their hard earned tax money goes
Those who are able to grasp the wider reaching economic, social and political effects of this on the whole country


Good points. But I can't be arsed with rugby, so I'm not swayed.
As long as this doesn't turn into another "Auckland is the powerhouse of NZ, so the rest of you can pay for it" situation.
Build it if you must, anywhere you like, for as much $ as necessary. But don't expect the country as a whole to support paying for it. We don't all like rugby/see any other need for such an arena.

[Colapop]

so which one do Beca stand to make more coin from then?
Trevor doesn't want any money made from this project.

[Whynot]

As I've ssaid before though - with sea levels rising it'll make a great aquapark by 2011!

and everyone will believe that when there is actually some proof .....

[Toaster]

...... nice, a half billion dollar fish bowl.

[Macktheknife]

I reckon Carlaw Park is the best option, already has all the links for transport, parking, and isn't going to need stabilising before any work starts and the port doesn't need moving.
Owners have already agreed to in principle, extra land available and no 2 year delay get started.
Eden park is already messed up enough why make it worse, Downtown is just silly and hideously expensive, the Government says if not Auckland then Jade stadium is the next obvious choice. I say if you're not going to do it right in Auckland then by all means do it in Christchurch.

[Toaster]

and everyone will believe that when there is actually some proof .....

Apparently the beaches are far smaller than they used to be (like compared to what they were 100 years ago).... indicating the water levels are slowly rising - either that, or the sand is just getting washed away and that just ain't newsworthy (or taxable, like emissions taxes to reduce CO2 output blah blah excuses excuses).

[Whynot]

Apparently the beaches are far smaller than they used to be (like compared to what they were 100 years ago).... indicating the water levels are slowly rising - either that, or the sand is just getting washed away and that just ain't newsworthy (or taxable, like emissions taxes to reduce CO2 output blah blah excuses excuses).

like i said .... when there is actually some proof.

[Toaster]

Funny how we come up with hundreds of millions for a new (and extra) stadium to watch over paid pretty boys play with each other, yet they don't have the money to work on a decent public transport system for our most congested city. I guess that just ain't cool.

I wonder if Uncle Helen will be able to get to the games in time through the traffic?

[MSTRS]

Funny how we come up with hundreds of millions for a new (and extra) stadium to watch over paid pretty boys play with each other, yet they don't have the money to work on a decent public transport system for our most congested city. I guess that just ain't cool.

I wonder if Uncle Helen will be able to get to the games in time through the traffic?

Two pertinent points!!
1. But who are 'they'?
2. Strike force is gone, but RNZAF still has options for transport.

[Toaster]

Two pertinent points!!
1. But who are 'they'?
2. Strike force is gone, but RNZAF still has options for transport.

.....gotta good laugh outta that one mate.

1. Govt.
2. yeah but they are always broken.

[Indiana_Jones]

In light of recent press commentary around ****'s involvement in both the Eden Park Trust Board and Waterfront Stadium projects, the following statement will be issued to select members of the media and other interested parties today. It is important that we clarify our position at this time.

It is also a timely reminder to you all of ****’s role as an independent advisor and our professional responsibility to our clients. I must stress that **** cannot have a company view on the Rugby World Cup stadium selection or its process. ****’s reputation relies on the sound judgement of our people and I am confident you share this view.

For this matter in particular, *** ***** will be the **** spokesperson, and all calls from the media and other interested parties should be referred to ***.

Therefore I am unable to state a preference...

I'm in the same company and boat as Col

-Indy

[Squeak the Rat]

Good points. But I can't be arsed with rugby, so I'm not swayed.
As long as this doesn't turn into another "Auckland is the powerhouse of NZ, so the rest of you can pay for it" situation.
Build it if you must, anywhere you like, for as much $ as necessary. But don't expect the country as a whole to support paying for it. We don't all like rugby/see any other need for such an arena.

Perfectly valid opinion, see you do care what happens! :)

Though I guess there should have been an option for "Stuff the stadium, spend the money on xxxxxx"

[MSTRS]

I only care if my hard-earned goes towards paying for it. Let the users pay for it. Gore would be a good site....plenty of parking there.
I would have voted for your option

[Colapop]

I reckon Carlaw Park is the best option, already has all the links for transport, parking, and isn't going to need stabilising before any work starts and the port doesn't need moving.
Owners have already agreed to in principle, extra land available and no 2 year delay get started.
Eden park is already messed up enough why make it worse, Downtown is just silly and hideously expensive, the Government says if not Auckland then Jade stadium is the next obvious choice. I say if you're not going to do it right in Auckland then by all means do it in Christchurch.
My personal opinion is that the area required is not big enough...:shutup:

[dnos]

We all know its gonna cost a fricken hell of a lot more than what is predicted.
I say any of the current stadiums would be fine.
All we need is a fricken big grandstand that can be suspended underneath a bloody big blimp or zeppelin. Then when its all done we can have one choice fireworks display. YEEEEHAAW

[Deano]

What I think sucks is that everyone else in the real world needs resource consent under the RMA to do this sort of stuff, yet Govt in their wisdom, decides to do it and will create specific legislation that allows them to do it without any RMA considerations.

[98tls]

Couldnt give a toss where they have it as long as its in the north island...just where thousands of pissed tourists belong...........

[rogson]

Couple of points:

To those who say the taxpayer shouldn't pay for it, you should have told Helen that before she stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Jock Hobbs in front of the IRB and said, yes we can do it. Now she - oh, of course she was speaking on our behalf - we, are holding the bag.

On the waterfront stadium - where is everyone going to park? I've been told "the people" will take the train and bus. So, the half of the stadium that is sober is going to be forced to go home with the half that is drunk. One time doing that and the sober half will exercise their real choice - which is not whether they should take the car or public transport - but whether to go or stay home and watch it on tele.

[The_Dover]

and herein lies the problem with kiwi sportsfans.

bunch of fuckin armchair critics with no real desire to get behind their teams.

I hope the all blacks never win another game.

[yungatart]

If there is $700 m to spare on a sports stadium, why is my dear old dad still wiating for his hip operation, why aren't there enough teachers, doctors, nurses or better pay for the ones we do have, why have I been waiting a year for a scan, why are the roads in such disrepair?
Oh, that's right, frivolities are so much more fun than necessities..
is it any wonder that people stuggle to pay the rent, yet can afford to eat McD's, when we have such shining examples of sensible budgeting leading our country?
Screw the stadium, state owned digital tv channels, Americas Cup yachting etc etc and let's get our priorities right for once!

[The_Dover]

damn right yungatart.

fuck this stadium. let's build a decent racetrack in auckland.

[98tls]

and herein lies the problem with kiwi sportsfans.

bunch of fuckin armchair critics with no real desire to get behind their teams.

I hope the all blacks never win another game. Worrying when a man with a pink handbag in his avatar starts talking about getting in behind...................

[The_Dover]

don't be so suburban.

it's the new millenium and I need somewhere to carry my eyeliner and cellphone.

plus, it's a manbag not a handbag.

you are SO unmetro 98tls

[oldrider]

I don't begrudge New Zealand or Auckland a quality stadium but the NZRFU and Eden park were well advanced in providing for needs of the World Rugby Cup requirements, why did the government need to interfere and propose the one on the waterfront anyway?

I think they have just created a huge diversion of public attention away from the criticism over their poor performance in government.

I have to say that they (Labour) have pulled a rabbit out of the hat with this one, the media were raging up against them on almost all fronts and now all you ever hear about is "stadiums" this is a political circus of diversion par excellence.

If the stadium gets built on the waterfront it will be a monument unto themselves, (Labour) if not they will claim WRC success as their own.

If it fails they will say we told you so and meanwhile everybody has forgotten what a bunch of worthless crooks they are!

I have to hand it too them they are the masters of deception and streets ahead of their opposition for devious tactics and political nous but are they really what New Zealand needs right now?

Not in my opinion but this is supposed to be a democracy so I guess they can only be as crooked, devious and conniving as the NZ public allows them to be and they (Labour) are creaming us! Well done or at least, well read Labour! :sick: John.

[Toaster]

don't be so suburban.

it's the new millenium and I need somewhere to carry my eyeliner and cellphone.

plus, it's a manbag not a handbag.

you are SO unmetro 98tls

You gotta poodle to fit in that manbag??? It's apparently all the rage nowdays.

[Toaster]

I think they have just created a huge diversion of public attention away from the criticism over their poor performance in government.

what a bunch of worthless crooks they are!

(Labour) are creaming us! Well done or at least, well read Labour! :sick: John.

I couldn't agree more, nice one!

[The_Dover]

nah, I want one of those little yorkshire terriers like WINJA has got.

[Toaster]

damn right yungatart.

fuck this stadium. let's build a decent racetrack in auckland.

Shit Yeah!! Best bloody idea yet.

[WRT]

My personal opinion is that the area required is not big enough...:shutup:

So send Ricoh to the water front and the tennis to Eden Park! Viola - more space.

Move the gas station to the cop yard. Tunnel under the domain and Albert Park - there's your parking. Speaking of which, the armed forces did most of the work there for you back in WWII.

[fische]

There's Britomart but no decent rail network to service it. There's buses that service a wide area but nobody is willing to use them and get mugged. So to parking - Auckland during rush hours is already a parking lot.

Build the fucking thing wherever you like in Auckland, no-one is going to go there.

[Hitcher]

$600 million for a stadium that will be too big to host a couple of rugby games, the final of which will probably be played by two foreign teams, seems a bit steep to me. I suspect that that gummint intended this as an election bribe, but hadn't counted on yawning ambivalence from Joe and Joanne Aucklander.

[Grahameeboy]

IMO... I'm not a huge rugby fan... generally I always pick the team thats playing against the All Blacks just to piss Sam off (yeah I'm mean... bite me).

I don't even know where Eden Park is... Somewhere near Mt Eden maybe?

They say that the stadium near the waterfront will have a walkway all the way around it (I'd use that), they also said the stadium at the waterfront could be used for a lot of things (other sports... concerts etc)... which I may use...

So in regards to it affecting me... the waterfront is the one I'd pick.

As far as the money side goes... I'd pick Eden Park simply because I don't wanna have our taxes put up to pay for the $700 million project

But wasn't that the plan for North Harbour Stadium once??

[NighthawkNZ]

I would rather have the public money spend on upgrading our roads through out the country....

If the NZRFU raised the funds, thats different... personally the government shouldn't be giving a cent. I don't want it and I don't want to pay for it... :mad:

[Swoop]

2. Strike force is gone, but RNZAF still has options for transport.
You are referring to NZ's 3rd largest airline???

What I think sucks is that everyone else in the real world needs resource consent under the RMA to do this sort of stuff, yet Govt in their wisdom, decides to do it and will create specific legislation that allows them to do it without any RMA considerations.
Changing the law (again) to make things legal........

and herein lies the problem with kiwi sportsfans.
bunch of fuckin armchair critics with no real desire to get behind their teams.
I hope the all blacks never win another game.
I support NZ teams, just NOT paid, "professional" teams.....

I don't begrudge New Zealand or Auckland a quality stadium but the NZRFU and Eden park were well advanced in providing for needs of the World Rugby Cup requirements, why did the government need to interfere and propose the one on the waterfront anyway?

I think they have just created a huge diversion of public attention away from the criticism over their poor performance in government.

I have to say that they (Labour) have pulled a rabbit out of the hat with this one, the media were raging up against them on almost all fronts and now all you ever hear about is "stadiums" this is a political circus of diversion par excellence.

If the stadium gets built on the waterfront it will be a monument unto themselves, (Labour) if not they will claim WRC success as their own.

If it fails they will say we told you so and meanwhile everybody has forgotten what a bunch of worthless crooks they are!

I have to hand it too them they are the masters of deception and streets ahead of their opposition for devious tactics and political nous but are they really what New Zealand needs right now?

Not in my opinion but this is supposed to be a democracy so I guess they can only be as crooked, devious and conniving as the NZ public allows them to be and they (Labour) are creaming us! Well done or at least, well read Labour! :sick: John.
Must spread rep around.... etc, etc...

nah, I want one of those little yorkshire terriers like WINJA has got.
Yorkshire puddings.... mmmmmm!

[NighthawkNZ]

I don't begrudge New Zealand or Auckland a quality stadium but the NZRFU and Eden park were well advanced in providing for needs of the World Rugby Cup requirements, why did the government need to interfere and propose the one on the waterfront anyway?

I think they have just created a huge diversion of public attention away from the criticism over their poor performance in government.

I have to say that they (Labour) have pulled a rabbit out of the hat with this one, the media were raging up against them on almost all fronts and now all you ever hear about is "stadiums" this is a political circus of diversion par excellence.

If the stadium gets built on the waterfront it will be a monument unto themselves, (Labour) if not they will claim WRC success as their own.

If it fails they will say we told you so and meanwhile everybody has forgotten what a bunch of worthless crooks they are!

I have to hand it too them they are the masters of deception and streets ahead of their opposition for devious tactics and political nous but are they really what New Zealand needs right now?

Not in my opinion but this is supposed to be a democracy so I guess they can only be as crooked, devious and conniving as the NZ public allows them to be and they (Labour) are creaming us! Well done or at least, well read Labour! :sick: John.

totally agree... they are crooks, clarke is a thief, lier.. and butt ugly.. oh and she dresses funny...:gob: :done:

one more thing... if the government can afford this... wheres my fracking tax cut..???? :mad:

[fische]

For the extra money that they want to spend on the waterfront stadium, they could buy most of the houses around Eden park and build a decent car park. They could probably also build a decent roadsystem to cope with any extra traffic flows. Or just build it out in Orakei...

[Maha]

Why dont they build a stadium at Bastion Point?.... fuck all going on there....:yes:

[RT527]

Nah Waikaraka park is the best place ....motorways both sides and you could extend the rail corridor from the Toll/metroport site which is a rail head right up to the stadium, and then on past onehunga wharf and through mangere and on to the Airport, is industrial land all around so you could hold concerts there too.

[rogson]

For the extra money that they want to spend on the waterfront stadium, they could buy most of the houses around Eden park and build a decent car park. They could probably also build a decent roadsystem to cope with any extra traffic flows. Or just build it out in Orakei...

Yep, or instead of grand erections, why not give every visitor for the World Cup $500 when they arrive at the airport to be spent on booze and debauchery while in NZ in compensation for the "embarrassment of the facilities".

Advertise the offer beforehand and NZ would be swamped with visitors - the rugby would be just a side-show!

Please, can someone tell me why my idea is any more loony than Mallard's wet dream?

[-df-]

it has to be the waterfront, Eden parks time has come and gone.

They will never be able to do the modify Eden park without everyone there bitching and moaning about the noise etc...sound like another venue recently??

[Colapop]

Only difference is that Mallard is paid to have wet dreams!

[diggydog]

i like the water front idea of stadium for the long run,if we have it in a residental area you'd have people moaning it's too noisey. http://www.wakastadium.co.nz/

[Lorax]

Waterfront.

Icon Icon Icon. And I like big, shiny new buildings that are garishly 'Fuck-offish'. Also the function stuff etc. And Eden park's residential area etc.

If I were a tourist I'd walk around it eh.

[Terminated]

I can't help but be amazed how such a thing could occur. New Zealand is hanging itself out to dry.

When putting a bid in for the World Cup why wasn't the whole concept of a new waterfront stadium raised......perhaps the answer may be too obvious.

Any government, irrespective of political party, getting involved initially well perhaps that may have been okay, but to now to start 'arm-twisting' is a bit rich.

If the stadium does go ahead at the waterfront - I think we will all be collectively holding our breath as would the IRB. You can bet the house that project milestones will set in closed room IRB sessions and will probably result in the plug being pulled on Auckland and another venue would be in the wings. I reckon by the end of 2008 the pin will be pulled, and you can kiss your @#$@ goodbye.

Wasn't it Japan that was pipped at the final vote.....

The magnanimous thing to do would be to withdraw New Zealand as the venue for the 2011 WRC. Get its act together, get the people onside collectively and put to bed the divisiveness. Constructively and effectively create a properly planned and considered stadium venue in New Zealand and put in another bid down the track.

Somewhere along the way somebody dropped the ball on this one big time.

[Disco Dan]

Yeah its a bit short sighted to say pffft its only Rugby...

The decision will affect the entire city, traffic flows etc, not to mention it will be the NZ tax payers who pay partly for this project...

I voted Eden park, taking money, traffic and parking into account....

Same here,

what an eye sore the waterfront stadium would be!!!

Mt Eden already there, we dont really need this flash thing anyway so why not save some money and spend it elswhere... ie the FRICKING ROADS!

(not a fan of rugby at all but still understand somepeoples need to watch grown men run around in stubbies)

[Colapop]

i like the water front idea of stadium for the long run,if we have it in a residental area you'd have people moaning it's too noisey. http://www.wakastadium.co.nz/
That's a pisstake right?

[-df-]

I so f$%king hope so...

[Squeak the Rat]

Paraphrased from a radio article this am:

The tender process for the stadium construction (or at least the foundations) will be fast-tracked and given to one company (the F word). There is provision in the rules for this if the government sees it as an emergency.

But all the hoops are being gone through to fix the roading problems.

Conclusion = Rugby is important, 1million people stuck in traffic jams isn't.

On 'ya Labour. :finger:

[Whynot]

That's a pisstake right?

more detail here ...
http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/0,2106,3863465a10,00.html

[Squeak the Rat]

I can't decide if that's really cool or tacky and sad.

Check out the Heralds reliable and accurate online poll showing 8472 saying no to a waterfront stadium, compared to 2944 saying yes.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/feature/index.cfm?c_id=1501134

[Colapop]

I seem to remember Winston coming out of coalition talks a couple of years ago and saying "This is a great day for NZ, this is a great day for Maori." Since when does the NZ population consist of solely Maori people? I'm of Danish decent and I was born here, why don't we make it a Long boat? Or an Outrigger? Or a Sampan? NZ is all manner of different people and cultures. Rugby (all though I'm a huge supporter) is not for everybody. If it came down to providing roading and infrastructure for Auckland or a new stadium, I would choose the former every time. This issue should be about the greater good not a one off event. The real picture here is a government who are serving their own needs and not those of the taxpayers.

[Whynot]

Check out the Heralds reliable and accurate online poll showing 8472 saying no to a waterfront stadium, compared to 2944 saying yes.

Those stats just prove that everyone in auckland likes to bitch and moan about everything.

[Bartman10]

Debt sinks Stadium Australia - ANZ to take control for A$10m
16 November 2006 www.stuff.co.nz

SYDNEY: It was billed by then Olympics boss Juan Antonio Samaranch as the best stadium he had seen.

Rugby great Mark Ella, Olympic hero turned banker Ralph Doubell, one-time union boss Michael Easson and former Seven chairman and McDonald's boss Peter Ritchie became directors of the venture that owned Stadium Australia, now called Telstra Stadium.

But a decade after the disastrous float of Stadium Australia Group its banker, ANZ, will take control of the debt-laden stadium for next to nothing. In effect the bank has become a mortgagee in possession.

Stadium Australia unit holders were unlikely to see their investment prosper, said John Clarke, head of ANZ Infrastructure Services.

"They will never receive any distributions, they'll never receive any return on capital," Mr Clarke said.

ANZ has offered $9.7 million, or 10c a unit, to take over the group, which has been recommended by the group's board. The offer was made at a discount to the trading price of the units, which closed yesterday at 11.5c.

Stadium Australia Group owed the bank $140 million, according to its February full year accounts, an amount which it has been struggling to repay.

The stadium float struggled from the outset when it sold only 10,782 gold memberships from a possible 34,400. The underwriters were left to take up the membership shortfall.

For those membership holders, ANZ's Mr Clarke said their full membership rights will stand. He said there would be no changes to corporate, platinum or gold membership packages. "It will be business as usual," he said.

Harvey Lister, chief executive of Ogden International Facilities Corp, which is the second largest shareholder in the Stadium Australia Group, said it would accept ANZ's offer.

"We think it's deserving of support," he said. "It brings enormous certainty to the future financial structure of the group. The stadium has been an enormous success for Sydney and NSW."

He said the stadium had been making an operating profit but was hamstrung by its bank debt. Other major unit holders include Deutsche Bank, ANZ, Coca-Cola Amatil and Macquarie Bank.

"It needs a single owner without the costs of a listed public company," Mr Clarke said.

ANZ will use the stadium as a seed asset for its social infrastructure trust, Diversified Infrastructure Trust, he said.

It plans to add other infrastructure assets before selling stakes in the trust to wholesale fund managers.

____

It's not only the $1,000,000,000 construction cost. If the Aussies can't keep a stadium full of fans we ain't going to be able to.

I think it's a stupid waste of money for a stupid little boys game. Pitty the Japs didn't get the RWC.

[Bartman10]

Oh, $1,000,000,000 is $250 per man woman and child. A lot of families could do with an extra $1000 to help pay some bills.

If NZRFU wants a stadium, they should pay for it with private money.

I agree that it was a fantastic political diversion by Labour

[oldrider]

Auckland: "The City of sails" ???? Yes but in reality!!!!

Auckland: "The City of indecision" Yes! :yes: Proven time after time.

Unfortunately New Zealand is considered and judged by Auckland!

Auckland fiddles while New Zealand burns! (Shades of Nero, Rome and history here?)

Auckland is a nice place and the people are OK but they sure do piss about!

Two stuffed up world cup attempts here and you will never hear another Irish joke again,.... ever!

In fairness, (IMHO) Auckland's obvious weakness is being exploited for political expediency. Wake up Auckland! but :whocares: Well I do! John.

[Squeak the Rat]

I was hoping I'd get my say during the resource consent process.....

[Hitcher]

Auckland: "The City of sails"

I thought that Auckland was the City of Sales -- garage sales, car sales...

[Motu]

No,it's the City of Salesmen.

[Indiana_Jones]

I don't have an issue with a stadium on the waterfront. But there's no way they'll finish it on time. Didn't we like win the rights to host like a year ago?

wtf have has the govt been doing since then.

As it was said before, this is a great smoke screen for labour atm.

-Indy

[Pixie]

I seem to remember Winston coming out of coalition talks a couple of years ago and saying "This is a great day for NZ, this is a great day for Maori." Since when does the NZ population consist of solely Maori people? I'm of Danish decent and I was born here, why don't we make it a Long boat? Or an Outrigger? Or a Sampan? NZ is all manner of different people and cultures. Rugby (all though I'm a huge supporter) is not for everybody. If it came down to providing roading and infrastructure for Auckland or a new stadium, I would choose the former every time. This issue should be about the greater good not a one off event. The real picture here is a government who are serving their own needs and not those of the taxpayers.
Or a commode-symbolic of this govt pissing our taxes away

[MSTRS]

I thought that Auckland was the City of Sales -- garage sales, car sales...

I thought it was the other typo...City of Snails

[Toast]

Dunno what else has been said in this thread, but:

The thing will be a great big fuc'n white elephant...what a waste of money...

Used for two games at full capacity, and then the decline in rugby crowds will continue as it has been, making the 10,000 people that turn up to an NPC game in Auckland look like even more of a joke sitting with even more unused seats around them.

building at either site is a shit idea compared to upgrading North Harbour Stadium anyway.

May as well just go for the cheapest option since it will be inhabited by homeless people once it gets neglected anyway.

[TONO]

Here in lies the problem us Kiwi's are an apathetic lot, or is that pathetic!
We are so bloody negative, if any of our national sport teams looses we all have a 'Downer" and the economy suffers, yet we are loath to take the bull by the horns and go for it.
The comments in this thread just confirm it.
We live in paradise but a loath to get involved in protecting it and making it better as a whole.
This maybe regarded as healthy debate by some but I feel it is all to negative and maybe us Kiwis are just a bunch of wankers.
No doubt a number of you will complain when large events in the future do not come to NZ because we do not have a truly international stadium.....Perhaps this is our chance....think about it.
The development of the Auckland waterfront would not have happened without the Americas Cup, no matter what you think of it.

[MSTRS]

The development of the Auckland waterfront would not have happened without the Americas Cup, no matter what you think of it.

Hear what you are saying, BUT taxpayer money wasn't used to pay for that development. There is a difference.
The location is important, yes, but in real terms I think the funding is a bigger issue. And does the 'need' for such a stadium over-ride all other calls on such a massive amount???

[oldrider]

I have no problem with the concept of the "National Stadium" but the RWC was won on the merits of Edin Park being upgraded.
We (NZ) have been Taxed to death for Auckland's outstanding current roading problems etc etc etc.
For me it is simply a matter of priority, get the things that have been on the back burner for bloody years "DONE" and then we can look at adventurous things like the National Stadium!
I would like to buy a new bike but I have to consider the things that I "need" before I go and spend "our" money on things that "I" want!
It is not the right time for the waterfront stadium, priorities dictate! John.

[Skyryder]

My first opinion on the preferred choice was Eden Park. This was mainly based on cost. But from a commercial point of view I am firmly of the opinion the the Waterfront proposal is the way to go. Prior and after events will tend to congregate into comercial centres for both food and drink. Secondly I see no reason why this area can not be adquetly served through a public transport system and in doing so reduce the amount of drunk drivers on the road and traffic congestion to for that matter.

No one has as yet seen the plans for the waterfront proposal. There will be no noise issues for concerts etc. Seems to me to be an all round site for a National Stadium I am more concerned about my money going to the NZRFU when it could be better spent on a National Stadium. It's not an issue about Mallard, Clark etc. But on a New Zealand Stadium. The only priviso I would like to see is that it is not named after some corperate sponser. That would make a mockery of it being a National Stadium.

Just out of curiosity I just posted up two options in the poll. Who put in the third one??

Skyryder

[Ixion]

why do you think noise will not be an issue? There are a shit load of apartments and hotels around there. They already complain (a lot) about the noise from the Port, which is actually not at all loud. The Port has existing right usage, but a stadium wouldn't. I doubt that noise control would be any more relaxed than anywhere else.

[Biff]

Bring it to Jade. We southerners dont whine as much as those northerners.

It'd be welcomed with open arms, and the city would make squillions.

And I would get very, very drunk.

[Toast]

Here in lies the problem us Kiwi's are an apathetic lot, or is that pathetic!
We are so bloody negative, if any of our national sport teams looses we all have a 'Downer" and the economy suffers, yet we are loath to take the bull by the horns and go for it.
The comments in this thread just confirm it.
We live in paradise but a loath to get involved in protecting it and making it better as a whole.
This maybe regarded as healthy debate by some but I feel it is all to negative and maybe us Kiwis are just a bunch of wankers.
No doubt a number of you will complain when large events in the future do not come to NZ because we do not have a truly international stadium.....Perhaps this is our chance....think about it.
The development of the Auckland waterfront would not have happened without the Americas Cup, no matter what you think of it.

Build a 'truly International stadium' for $200m-ish with a lower chance of complications then (North Harbour), instead of one for potentially 4 times that, which has a high chance of being a disaster.

Look at what happened to Stadium Australia in the article above...a positive attitude isn't all you need, and the Aussies certainly have those...the country needs to put some brains in to it too, and not let the pathetic egos of rugby heads and local bodies get in the way of the decision.

[MisterD]

Bring it to Jade. We southerners dont whine as much as those northerners.

It'd be welcomed with open arms, and the city would make squillions.

And I would get very, very drunk.

I thought Chch had pretty much already said, "Bugger off, Jade is perfect for us just the way it is, go stick your white elephant somewhere else...."

[treefrog]

fucken thugby,stupidest so called game ever,those playas cant even string two words together,drink more beer and play more rugby you sheep while your government hastily passes more laws to limit your freedom.waterfront stadiums just a monument to hellen clark and labour,wanker politicians ,lying theiving scum.have a lovely day everyone.:yes:

[Skyryder]

why do you think noise will not be an issue? There are a shit load of apartments and hotels around there. They already complain (a lot) about the noise from the Port, which is actually not at all loud. The Port has existing right usage, but a stadium wouldn't. I doubt that noise control would be any more relaxed than anywhere else.

Eden Park is in the supburbs with the resulting numbers that would/could attempt to have unrealistic noise levels imposed on the stadium. On top of that noise control may well prevent Eden Park from hosting concerts.

From what I've read of the reply for Eden Park it appears that this choice seems preferable not only due to cost but as an anti Government option also. I think desighn elements and final costs would have helped on this.

Taxpayers money to the NZRFU is a bigger wast than extra costs associated with the waterfront option.

Skyryder

[Colapop]

You should have a look at some of the design work that's gone into both options. Very impressive - my preference is Eden Park (a personal opinion). I think the design is better, the cost is lower and it is a pre-existing facility. If Carlaw park was properly considered then the size limitations of the site wouldn't be a problem (there's a very large area adjoining that's usable)

[Flatcap]

Eden Park is in the supburbs with the resulting numbers that would/could attempt to have unrealistic noise levels imposed on the stadium. On top of that noise control may well prevent Eden Park from hosting concerts.




Eden park doesn't host concerts now for that reason

My vote is for Eden Park - then I can walk to the game and hire out the spare bedroom for even more $$$

[oldrider]

Left wing Socialist governments believe that the state should control everything, that is the problem.

IMHO,The government should not have got involved in the RWC at all nor should it have got involved in the private enterprise of the Americas Cup.

Socialist Governments steal (tax) our money accumulate it unnessessarily and spend it on things that they think will make them popular, like the above!

What NZ needs is "less" government involvement in our lives (less tax) so that we can be "free" to decide where "we" want to spend our own money as our own choice.

If they did not steal your money and you had the personal choice in these matters would you "give" your money to:
The WRC?
The Eden Park extensions?
The National Stadium?
The Americas Cup?

Or would you "donate" your money to things that "you" are interested in, like motor sport etc!

Meanwhile the things that they use as excuses to tax (steal) your income still don't get done or are so underfunded that they become a bloody farce, like, roading, health, education, airforce, navy, army, police, justice, corrections, care of children and care for the aged, just to name few!

Is this the kind of Government that you really want or need?

Flashing your money around on things you don't want or need and pretending that they are giving you a "choice" in the matter?

We have a whole thread here on the choices "they" are giving us on how to spend millions of our dollars but how many of you really want either of the choices anyway?

Personally I just can not understand how they can fool so many so much of the time but such is the price of freedom and democracy, therefor I accept it is their right to fool those who would be fooled. :doh: I know, I know :zzzz: John.

[Swoop]

fucken thugby,stupidest so called game ever,those playas cant even string two words together,drink more beer and play more rugby you sheep while your government hastily passes more laws to limit your freedom.:yes:
You forgot the "handbag" incident as well.......

[Terminated]

Look at what happened to Stadium Australia

On the news last night, I see the Olympic stadium at Barcelona Spain is in rack and ruin already.

[Biff]

fucken thugby,stupidest so called game ever,those playas cant even string two words together,drink more beer and play more rugby you sheep while your government hastily passes more laws to limit your freedom.waterfront stadiums just a monument to hellen clark and

I'll tell what - I'll ask my Dr and accountant mates to quit their respective jobs and playing rugby, and I'll throw away my PhD, if you promise to teach us all the correct way to spell our prime minister's name and talk proper instead of us playing rugby and/or coaching rugby to young kids. Because we're so thick. You arsehole.


I thought Chch had pretty much already said, "Bugger off.."

Have they? Last I heard was the mayor welcoming the oppportunity of hosting such a presitgious event, and the town council backing him.


IMHO,The government should not have got involved in the RWC at all nor should it have got involved in the private enterprise of the Americas Cup.


I disagree with you John.

For all major international sporting events (world cup soccer and rugby, the Olympics etc) it is mandatory to have the respective government of the country present and support the application.

It'd be a sad day IMO when governments stop supporting such major sporting events. Although I agree with you about the Americas Cup - that's simply a sport for the rich and a commercially driven event.

Let's face it - there's not much that New Zealanders can claim to being the best in the world at, and this is a perfect opportunity to show the world just how good a place this wonderful country is, and in doing so raise it's profile and reap the rewards from the massive inward investment and money spent by tourists/fans during and after such an event. Hence the reason why governments fight so hard to secure these events. And then the unquantifiable benefits, such as fat lazy people (kids and grown ups) getting off their lardy arses and doing some exercise, motivated by such events, therefore potentially saving the government (read tax payers) of even more money which would otherwise have been spent treating these sad sacks for obesity, heart disease etc.

[Hitcher]

On the news last night, I see the Olympic stadium at Barcelona Spain is in rack and ruin already.

And Stadium Australia (The Olympic venue) has been seized by the ANZ Bank.

[terbang]

Without reading through the whole thread. How many hospitals could we build or put right to reduce waiting lists (we all will need it some time) for the cost of a football stadium?

Rugby, Rugby and more fucking Rugby. Thats all we hear..

[Ixion]

Panem et circensium. It distracts attention, and placates the masses.

[NZHog]

Well said,this is just a smokescreen with stolen money.


Left wing Socialist governments believe that the state should control everything, that is the problem.

IMHO,The government should not have got involved in the RWC at all nor should it have got involved in the private enterprise of the Americas Cup.

Socialist Governments steal (tax) our money accumulate it unnessessarily and spend it on things that they think will make them popular, like the above!

What NZ needs is "less" government involvement in our lives (less tax) so that we can be "free" to decide where "we" want to spend our own money as our own choice.

:zzzz: John.

[XF650]

The politics aside, is it a good idea to build a stadium at sea level?

[Colapop]

Most of them in NZ are.

[granma2]

The only reason they want the world cup here is for the revenue they get.

Can you imagine the carnage the stadium will have on the CBD traffic problem. Whether they build it at the waterfront or Eden Park, it makes no difference, you wont be able to get in or out no matter what transport you are in, for at least 4 hrs. Umm upon reflection make that 6 hrs. 3 hrs is for a Super 12 game. We havent been able to fix Aucklands traffic problems in the last 20yrs, so nothing will be done by 2011.

They could utilise the North Harbour Stadium in Albany, which is outside the congestion areas. At least two main roads lead in to the area from central Auckland, it has large areas of undeveloped land. There is a huge shopping center going in near the stadium that will be bigger than Slyvia Park in Mt Wellington. A bus depot is there already..all it needs is accomodation and pubs built for the masses.

[Swoop]

Can you imagine the carnage the stadium will have on the CBD traffic problem.
Auckland was not permitted to have the V8 racing in the CBD so why should a pointy-ball-game be allowed to happen? Think of the traffic congestion from an event of that size...

[treefrog]

personally guys id much rather my tax dollars were spent on healthcare and lets look after our aged as they biult this fine country fuck homo thugby.:rockon:

[McJim]

It's all very well having a poll about this and voicing opinions but at the end of the day it's probably gonna happen anyway - it'll cost lots of tax dollars that we wouldn't have seen either (would have got locked away in Auntie Helen's Surplus).

Don't you just love the warm feeling of impotence you get from NZ politics?

[ceebie13]

Where's the option for Who cares - it's only rugby? Pffft.

Oi! Watch it! Rugby is a fine Warwickshire town! Even the cement works is a sight to behold. Oh...you mean the game with the funny shaped ball thingy...doh! Silly moi.

[ceebie13]

Auckland: "The City of indecision" Yes! :yes: Proven time after time.



Perhaps that's one reason why it's no longer the Capital.
So, where's Wellington in all this debate?

[The_Dover]

Whether you whining bitches like it or not NZ is hosting the rugby world cup on 2011 and the majority of New Zealanders do care about rugby, it's the national sport for fucks sake. Can you imagine this in the UK?? A bunch of whiney fuckin bikers proclaiming that no one cares about football and we dont want the fuckin world cup in london, it's got enough traffic problems, I dont like football............shut the fuck up.

The stadium debate is a different story altogether. It's been a shambles from the beginning and whatever option they choose then double the budget because the project managers, government bureaucracy and useless construction companies are going to piss good money after bad, a la Vector Arena. (I wont even mention consultants :whistle:)

Eden Park - Get fucked, crap position, useless transport infrastructure and the construction traffic alone would make life in the area hell for a long time.

Waterfront - Bit gay really and no parking, just don't make it another caketin - that place has no atmosphere. If they hijacked the cast from Thomas the Tank Engine then maybe access by rail would be worth it but it would also involve upgrading all of the other piss poor excuses for stations on the rail network.

Albany (North Harbour Stadium) - Forget it, I went to a Blues game there a few years ago and despite the stadium being half empty (all ONE stand of it) the traffic was a nightmare. Anything that involves the majority of people crossing a bottleneck like the harbour bridge to get there is a waste of time and developing it to a capacity worthy of a major final would mean starting again (that stand is too small).

The problem with all of the sites proposed in Auckland is that there is usually only one way in or out due to the geographical nature of the city. Send it to Hamilton, it's got roads coming in from everywhere, is central to a load of major(ish) centres and nobody lives there anyway so there's plenty of land and no one to piss off as we build a HUGE stadium.

Either that or build a big stadium in Papakura and I can charge people 5 bucks a pop to park on my lawn.

[ceebie13]

Whether you whining bitches like it or not NZ is hosting the rugby world cup on 2011 and the majority of New Zealanders do care about rugby, it's the national sport for fucks sake. Can you imagine this in the UK?? A bunch of whiney fuckin bikers proclaiming that no one cares about football and we dont want the fuckin world cup in london, it's got enough traffic problems, I dont like football............shut the fuck up.



Such eloquance and delicacy, Dover.:rockon:

But yes, as it happens, I can imagine this in the UK. Folks in a minority used to bitch all the time about how much football was on TV etc. But it appears to be even more fanatical here. Seems to me everything stops for a Rugby match. And you are guaranteed a wind-up by those who don't share the enthusiasm for what is after all only a game!

[The_Dover]

subtle is my middle name

[LilSel]

I was overseas when this whole thing took off n became a huge issue...
Dont know the whole story... But from what I gather... stadium either on the waterfront or upgrade of Eden Park.

I think that if either way they are gonna spend shit loads of $$...
then the waterfront is the better option in terms of transport... There is rail (britomart), motorways that go in all directions and what about water taxi's and stuff?? that would help get rid of a heap of traffic... Auckland is surrounded by water... leave your car somewhere and jump on a water taxi to get there? and the same to get back... no traffic on the water?!

Parking etc around eden park is shocking as it is... and when there is a game on there... ALL the suburbs surrounding get hammered with the traffic. they cant exactly widen all those rd's etc??!

[SPman]

Only difference is that Mallard is paid to have wet dreams!
Mallard IS a wet dream!


Whether you whining bitches .......5 bucks a pop to park on my lawn.

I'd agree with that. He's right you know. :gob:

[Lou Girardin]

The difference Dover, is that rugby is a minority sport everywhere but here. Even with our fixation on it, we've only won the 'World' cup once. We even got dicked by the FRENCH for God's sake.
It's almost as bad as the American football 'World' championship.
It's a lot of our dosh just for a championship no-one cares about.

[Swoop]

Here's an idea.
Hold it in the crater of Mt Eden! A natural "bowl" for an event (plenty of seating space) and when you get pissed at the game, the walk home is all down hill!
Taxpayers dollars wasted = 0.
Useable for other events = Yes!
Keeps the greenies happy = (why do I feel like having a Tui beer right now?)

[LilSel]

Anyone know what happened with the council vote thingie last night??
it was on the late news but they hadn't finished voting/discussing etc...

[Hoon]

The difference Dover, is that rugby is a minority sport everywhere but here. Even with our fixation on it, we've only won the 'World' cup once. We even got dicked by the FRENCH for God's sake.
It's almost as bad as the American football 'World' championship.
It's a lot of our dosh just for a championship no-one cares about.

Wrong. Off the top of my head I can think of two countries (South Africa and Fiji) where Rugby is their national sport.

And what is your definition of "minority sport"?? As there are probably at least another 10 countries where Rugby ranks No.2.

This may come as a surprise but NZ is the best Rugby team in the World and something to be proud of. It may not be reflected in Rugby World Cup successes but the RWC is just a high profile tournament and clearly not an accurate measure of ones dominance (I challenge anyone to stand up in a pub and proclaim England are the best Rugby team in the world:)).

The French are 2nd best team in the world (or is it 3rd?) and have beaten us 10 times now so no shame losing to them. Keep in mind that there are only 6 countries in the world that have EVER beaten the All Blacks.

But you're probably not hearing any of this anyway. All I can say is "Sucks to be a Rugby hater in NZ". NZ Rugby is entering a new golden age whether you like it or not. So its your choice whether you want to join in with the celebration...... or sulk outside in the car.

[Whynot]

Wrong. Off the top of my head I can think of two countries (South Africa and Fiji) where Rugby is their national sport.

and Wales :yes:


The French are 2nd best team in the world (or is it 3rd?)

still second, just ....

http://www.irb.com/EN/World+Rankings/world+rankings+full.htm

[MSTRS]

..... NZ Rugby is entering a new golden age ....

Should be the gold watch. Ha. :whocares:

[Swoop]

Anyone know what happened with the council vote thingie last night??
it was on the late news but they hadn't finished voting/discussing etc...
The council approved the waterfront concept "further to the east" though? (Chile?)
This afternoon the ARC rejected the idea. Thank f*ck for that! Ratepayers and taxpayers nation wide will be partying!

[Hitcher]

Woo hoo! Aucklanders can't agree. Again. Cabinet gets to decide on Monday. I guess they'll be hoping they're not the Government in power in 2011...

[marty]

the ports of auckland group is too wealthy and will fight any legislation forced against them. auckland doesn't NEED another stadium. the cake tin was NEEDED as welly didn't have one at all. hamilton had a staduim, but they ripped it to bits and re-did it, and it's fantastic! and this 'landmark' stuff is rubbish - an inward facing arrangment could never be made to look like anything other than a staduim. sydney opera house, statue of liberty, london eye, hell even the auckland skytower, are all recogniseable icons that are OUTWARD looking.