Media Release

10 November 2006

Stadium Needs Cast-Iron Guarantees

New Zealand First supports the concept of a national rugby stadium on Auckland's waterfront but only if the construction contract contains cast-iron guarantees and penalties to ensure it's completed well before the 2011 World Cup begins, says Leader Winston Peters.

"It is absolutely critical that whoever builds the stadium gets the job done on time. The contract must be watertight and contain such onerous penalties that no deadlines will be missed. There must be no risk of New Zealand being made an international laughing stock by having the World Cup final played in a partially completed stadium.

"It is equally essential that the complex contains shops, cafes and restaurants on long-term leases to ensure the stadium is making a financial return 24-7 rather than just bringing in money whenever a sporting fixture is played there. The design should also take advantage of its waterfront setting by making provision for boats to moor close to the stadium," said Mr Peters.

ENDS

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