Who will host the 2011 Rugby Word Cup?
With South Africa and England heading towards the 2007 Rugby World Cup final, a report in The Dominion Post says that Auckland’s new mayor has started a row over the country’s flagship 2011 Rugby World Cup venue by threatening to pull $30 million from an Eden Park upgrade.
John Banks said Auckland City ratepayers were unwilling to contribute all of an earmarked $50 million when the Government had just announced an $8.6 billion surplus and the Rugby Union had wasted millions on the players’ failed bid for this year’s World Cup.
The Government decided to underwrite a $190 million upgrade of Eden Park after its plans for a $1 billion stadium on the waterfront were rejected by Aucklanders.
Eden Park was chosen as the main stadium only after the Government had considered other sites, including AMI Stadium in Christchurch, which lobbied strongly to host the cup final.
Though Mr Banks was prepared to fund about $20 million in “economic infrastructure”, such as roads, his threat not to make good on the council’s full $50 million commitment raises the prospect of the Government again looking elsewhere.
Auckland Issues Minister Judith Tizard suggested the Government would consider moving the venue if Auckland did not contribute. Christchurch had a stadium that could host the final.
“That is the choice mayor Banks and his council face.” “There is an issue which needs to be dealt with.”
Prime Minister Helen Clark was more cautious, saying there would need to be discussions with Auckland and rugby interests following Mr Banks’ comments, but she would not comment further.
Despite Ms Tizard’s comments, the Government is unlikely to want to inflame the debate, and would probably hope that rugby bosses can persuade Auckland City to accept a face-saving compromise.
It may also be counting on a change of heart by Auckland Regional Council about putting money toward the project, in the event that its chairmanship changes as a result of the weekend’s local body elections.
Mr Banks said Eden Park was in Miss Clark’s own electorate and it would be electoral suicide to build a national stadium elsewhere.
“I’m telling you she won’t do that. Auckland City is committed to the 2011 World Cup.” “We’re committed to putting in a big chunk of money.” “We just want some fairness around this.”
A Report by The Mole
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