North Shore families may not be able to catch a big sporting event or concert at the iconic North Harbour Stadium for much longer if an option being consulted on is chosen.
The Albany stadium has not been attracting the number of events it previously did when managed by the North Harbour Trust from 1997 to 2014. Demolition is one option being proposed in Auckland Council’s Long-term Plan (LTP), now open for feedback.
The stadium’s future is being reconsidered because the current owner operator, Auckland Council CCO Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, have advised it is too expensive for them to run and maintain.
Albany Ward Councillor John Watson says there is a lot at stake and people should look closely at the options being proposed for the stadium so they can make the best decision for its future.
“The stadium’s future and longevity are under threat. There are several reasons for this just as there are potential solutions going forward for increased use.
“We’ve all loved going to sports matches and live performances at North Harbour Stadium. The stadium has an amazing atmosphere and an incredible 27-year history. We’ve cheered and consoled ourselves at international and national sports events and sang and danced at the concerts.”
“We need to keep in mind that this is the only stadium in all north Auckland, that it’s capable of hosting international events, and serving a large area which is fast approaching half a million people.
“It’s a sobering thought that once legacy assets are deconstructed and the land sold off, there is no going back, and they are gone forever.”
The stadium proposal’s options for feedback are:
• Keep the stadium precinct as it is. Invest in essential renewals of $33 million budgeted over 10 years to maintain the stadium's assets and resources. Service levels remain as is other than any changes that may be made to how the precinct is operated and managed.
• Consider redeveloping the stadium precinct to provide better community and recreation facilities for the North Shore and wider Auckland region. This option involves deconstructing the existing stadium and would be funded through the essential renewals budget of $33 million, selling some land excluding the community playing fields and any other available funding.
• Change the operational management. The operating model will focus on improving cost efficiencies, better community access to the stadium’s facilities, better use of the stadium and reducing the costs to the ratepayer. This option could see Tātaki Auckland Unlimited continue to manage the stadium or a new operator take over or council parks staff manage the community playing fields, or a combination of operators.
The feedback form has an option labelled other which encourages people come up with a different operating model to the current proposals for the stadium precinct.
Watson says: “We need to find a solution that suits our North Shore community as it was their hard work and efforts that led to stadium being built in the first place and that legacy should be cherished.”
People can find out about the stadium proposal labelled North Harbour Stadium Precinct and give feedback online at akhaveyoursay.nz/ourplan. They can read the Long-term Plan documents and fill in a feedback form at any Auckland Library.
The Upper Harbour Local Board are inviting residents to give feedback on the stadium proposals and other proposals in the Long-term Plan at a hearing-style event. This takes place on Thursday 21 March, 4pm – 6pm at the local board office, 6-8 Munro Lane, Albany.
Each submitter has 10 minutes to present and board members may ask questions for clarification. To book a slot, please email upperharbourlocalboard@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.
All feedback must be received by 28 March 2024.
