Hon Trevor Mallard
Minister for the Rugby World Cup

13 December 2006 Media Statement
Embargoed until 3.30pm

Review of finals venue options report-back

The government's review of the design and costing of the proposed Eden Park redevelopment as the finals venue for Rugby World Cup 2011 has been given more time to enable a thorough assessment of all design options including current design options, Minister for the Rugby World Cup Trevor Mallard said today.

"The cabinet policy committee received a progress report today on the review of Eden Park design, funding and governance issues. The report advised that the review of the $320 million and $385 million redevelopment proposals for Eden Park had been put back due to delays in getting access to key information and documents.

"It was also noted that further time was required for the technical evaluation of the existing design proposals and that this evaluation would include an assessment of the various options available to deliver the seating requirements for Rugby World Cup 2011, including the existing designs and other combinations, utilising a mix of temporary and permanent facilities.

"Another 12,000 seats are required for the finals to be held at Eden Park, and the government has sought international stadium architectural expertise to evaluate the current design options and the other options which could include some temporary seating. This is so cabinet has the fullest picture possible of all the options available, and the resulting funding and governance ramifications.

"I am advised that this evaluation is technically challenging and will not be completed until late January.

"Ministers have therefore agreed that there be another report back after that. I am advised that this will not affect redevelopment timelines.

"Funding and governance issues clearly depend on this design work and these issues will be progressed further once we have agreement on a finals venue option," Trevor Mallard said.

"The government is committed to providing a stadium fit for hosting the Rugby World Cup final in 2011, and ensuring the tournament showcases New Zealand and Auckland to the world. We will continue to work hard with all the parties involved to ensure this is achieved in the best interests of all New Zealanders."

The report to the cabinet committee is attached.

ENDS

See... Report to the cabinet committee (PDF)

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