Latest news with #AucklandArena
NZ Herald
01-05-2025
- Business
- NZ Herald
Aucklanders to weigh in on Western Springs stadium proposals
The decision to go to public consultation lasted four hours, turning ugly at times over the role of speedway in the mix, and leading to Mayor Wayne Brown adjourning the meeting at one stage for councillors to cool down. At one point, Brown joked: 'We have heard from you guys for seven hours, I just want to hear from the public.' Billionaire Anna Mowbray and husband Ali Williams are part of a consortium with Texan billionaire and Auckland FC backer Bill Foley that is behind the 'Auckland Arena' – incorporating a new 12,500-seat stadium, community sports facilities, a high-performance centre, and hospitality. The Auckland Arena team has released a video of its proposal, featuring a campaign to generate public support. Ali Williams said: 'Western Springs is just crying out for it to happen.' Sir Bryan Williams has spent much of his life at Ponsonby Rugby Club, which has teamed up with two music promoters to build a Hollywood Bowl-style live concert and festival venue, a 5000-seat boutique stadium, and a multi-sport community hub. The backers of the 'Western Springs Bowl' have said they did not wish to comment beyond what Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) has released until the process is concluded, but Bryan Williams told the Herald last year: 'There is no alternative to fit our needs like Western Springs.' There are no firm plans to relocate Ponsonby Rugby Club when its lease expires in 2027 but the council body that oversees stadiums, TAU, is looking at Coxs Bay and Victoria Park. The mayor and councillors are keeping an open mind until public consultation closes next month and the feedback is assessed, but the TAU board has already evaluated the two options and backs the Auckland Arena with a new 12,500-seat sports stadium as its preferred option. TAU chief executive Nick Hill today said the Auckland Arena is the best option, saying it is the best proposal for ratepayers financially and includes investment into football and basketball, which are Auckland's fastest-growing sports and are struggling for infrastructure. For the second time, Brown today declined a request from representatives of the speedway community to address the governing body. He refused a similar request last October when councillors voted to move speedway from Western Springs to Waikaraka Park in Onehunga. Said councillor John Watson: 'These people were cut out in their entirety and denied speaking rights twice.' Brown also declined a request today for Ali Williams to address the meeting. Public consultation is due to run from May 19 to June 15.
NZ Herald
22-04-2025
- Climate
- NZ Herald
Watch Live: St Johns Homicide update
Premium Minister Shane Jones is encouraging applications to his $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund to help with the Chatham Islands' many challenges. Video / Cameron Pitney He remembers the first computer at the school, he's older than most of the buildings, and he still gets joy from that moment the 'penny drops' for students. Strong gale-force winds lash Auckland's CBD tonight as a storm moves across the country. Video / NZ Herald Emergency services could be seen attending after a truck fell on its side near Kaiwaka. Video / Supplied New footage shows an in-depth look at the proposed Auckland Arena. The Kiwi radio broadcaster, who is currently on maternity leave, said she gave birth within minutes of arriving to hospital. Video / The Hits One hundred people aged 8-80 brainstormed environmental solutions. Video / Isaac Te Reina Helena Bay, northeast of central Whangārei, is battered by large swells, winds and high tides on Thursday. Video / Denise Piper Fire and Emergency is responding to concerns about a roof lifting off a home on Beach Road in Campbells Bay as Cyclone Tam hits the North Island. Worst weather yet to come, Mark Lundy has another chance at freedom and most state schools running at capacity or above. Reporter Filoialii hops back in time, to discover the secret history of the Easter Bunny, and how other favourite Easter traditions evolved through the years and across the world. Stephen Hoyle opens up on the pride of now calling himself a Kiwi and the strong bonds that bought him back to Napier. Video / Neil Reid Auckland's Easter Show organisers are pushing on with this year's event, despite wet and windy conditions being forecast. Video / Corey Fleming Strong winds hit Ōrewa and Ōnetangi beaches as Cyclone Tam intensifies. Video/ Sylvie Whinray, Sarah de Croy Former Labour Party leader Andrew Little has announced his candidacy for Wellington's Mayor. He joins Newstalk ZB's Nick Mills to discuss his plans in the job. Video / NewstalkZB
