Shambolic stadium performance serves as a reminder

15 February 2010

The poor performance of North Harbour Stadium on Friday suggests the Mayor of North Shore City Council, Andrew Williams, should look closer to home when discussing Auckland’s stadia and the need to rationalise.

In a media interview last week Mayor Williams suggested Auckland’s stadia should be rationalised to fund Eden Park’s $40 million shortfall and pointed to Mt Smart Stadium as an example for mothballing.

Councillor Michael Barnett, chair of the Auckland Regional Council’s Mt Smart Special Committee, says Mayor Williams needs a reality check.

“Andrew Williams needs to take a good look at his home stadium’s ability to perform. Friday’s effort was an embarrassment. The stadium was not equipped to cope and is obviously inexperienced in managing sell out crowds of 23,000,” says Mr Barnett

“He is quick to criticise Auckland’s other stadia, particularly Mt Smart. It seems it is coming home to roost. As the old adage goes ‘don’t throw stones if you live in a glass house’.

“North Harbour Stadium has a lot to learn before the Rugby World Cup next year. They should be treating every event as a rehearsal to be sure they are well prepared for the crowds of fans coming to see the game.

“Mt Smart is accustomed to managing crowds of more than 30,000, and does so regularly for both sporting and entertainment events. It has overcome some challenges and learnt from past mistakes,” says Mr Barnett.

“North Shore Stadium does not have the luxury of time and needs to clean up its act today.”

ENDS

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