Speedway fans can look forward to at least five more years of events at Rosebank Domain, thanks to Whau Local Board.
A new lease has been approved by the board for the Power Sports Association (PSA) to continue operating at the Rosebank Motorcycle Speedway.
The lease grants PSA 43,000m² of land at 126 Patiki Road, Rangimatariki / Rosebank Park Domain, Avondale. It is for five years to start with, with the option to extend for another five years, at a cost of $1,300 plus GST per year.
It includes a requirement for PSA to develop a relationship agreement with West Auckland iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki, recognising their role as kaitiaki (guardian) of the land and enabling appropriate cultural access where practicable and mutually agreed.
It also requires an adjustment to the fencing so the public can reach the plants around the speedway, making it easier for volunteers to care for the area and help bring birds back.
Whau Local Board chair Kay Thomas says the decision is the result of a thorough and sometimes challenging process:
“We understand the importance of the speedway to the powersports lovers and we’re pleased to get the lease across the line.
“We also recognise the importance of regenerating forest surrounding the site, and have reduced the lease area to exclude that section of Rosebank Domain.
“Rosebank Park Domain is also of great cultural significance to Te Kawerau ā Maki, as a site to observe the rising of the Matariki constellations and as a historic area of settlement and food cultivation.
“We’re glad to connect the association with Te Kawerau ā Maki and look forward to seeing mana whenua access the land when it’s culturally appropriate and mutually agreed.
“I’d like to thank everyone for their patience, our community for their feedback, and our leasing team—especially our community lease specialist Amirah Rab—for their hard mahi in making this lease a reality.”
Brian Guptill, president of Auckland Speedway Riders Club represented by PSA, expressed gratitude to the board and says the new lease provides much-needed certainty:
“A heartfelt thank you to Whau Local Board. We now have a secure lease to operate, which allows us to plan exciting upgrades for the venue with confidence.
"We understand the importance of the land to Te Kawerau ā Maki and look forward to working together with our local iwi and community and develop more meaningful relationships into the future,” he says.
The decision follows an independent commissioner’s recommendation.
Public consultation in September 2024 drew 145 submissions, with 118 in support and 27 opposed. A hearing was held on 27 February 2025, where submitters and Te Kawerau ā Maki presented their views.
After considering all submissions, the commissioner recommended granting the lease, with conditions requiring PSA to engage constructively with Te Kawerau ā Maki.
Rosebank Park Domain is a 56,000m² recreation reserve, vested in Auckland Council by the Crown through the Department of Conservation.
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