Latest news with #NorthHarbourStadium
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
Bid to find new operators for North Harbour Stadium fails
Moana Pasifika play the Blues at North Harbour Stadium on 14 May, 2025. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/ Auckland's North Harbour Stadium will continue to be operated by economic agency Tātaki Auckland Unlimited after the local board couldn't find a better operator. The Upper Harbour Local Board opened an expression of interest process in January but received just two submissions. An evaluation panel found neither proposal met all the requirements and wouldn't be any better than the status quo. Panel members unanimously decided to keep the North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct under its current management through Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, a council-controlled organisation. "While the intention was to seek a new operator for North Harbour Stadium, the outcome needed to deliver on the key criteria laid out in the EOI (expression of interest) such as increased connection with the community and at least matching, if not improving on, the stadium's recent financial performance," local board chair Anna Atkinson said in a statement. "Independent financial analysis of the proposals received pointed to increased costs to ratepayers, when compared to the existing operating costs. The proposition of added financial burden to ratepayers, alongside assessment of other criteria within the proposals, was what led to the panel's recommendation of TAU (Tātaki Auckland Unlimited) remaining operators of the stadium." Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero , a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
ABC News
3 days ago
- Business
- ABC News
'The Lord's team' — Ardie Savea weighs in on Moana Pasifika situation
Super Rugby Pacific player of the year Ardie Savea addressed the uncertainty surrounding Moana Pasifika's future today, calling it "a huge loss" if the team were cut from the competition. "I think any competition needs them in," said Mr Savea at the team's home of North Harbour Stadium, where the All Blacks are preparing for the first test against France. Moana Pasifika are currently in the midst of financial struggles, after allegations were made of owners using public funding to service the side. "Like I said, we're the Lord's team, we're the people's team. So hopefully, you know, whatever that looks like above my shoulders, it can work out," said Mr Savea. This week Moana Pasifika owners Pasifika Medical Association Group have denied any public funding has gone into the side, while Te Puni Kōkiri has launched an independent review into allegations of inappropriate use of public funding allocated for Whānau Ora commissioning services. On top of this, Sky TV are believed to be close to ending their jersey sponsorship deal and NZ Rugby's projected reduced broadcast deal will likely affect the amount of funding Moana receive. Mr Savea is contracted until the end of the 2027 season, however, has a clause that allows him to spend next season playing overseas. The 96-test loose forward confirmed last month that he would be heading back for another lucrative short term deal at Japanese team Kubota Spears in 2026. All Blacks season kicks off Saturday Meanwhile, Mr Savea is part of an intriguing loose forward picture for the All Blacks, who will face France this Saturday. He will certainly start Saturday's season opener, but just who joins him is yet to be seen. "It's hard because the loosie roles are quite interchangeable now on the field. You know, there's no specific role. It's not about you individually. It's how you collectively as a trio work together," said Mr Savea. Former Hurricanes teammate Du'Plessis Kirifi and impressive Crusaders number eight Christian Lio-Willie are in line to make test debuts, while Samipeni Finau will likely start at blindside, "I played with Dupes for a while at the Canes and Christian, they've played awesome and they're in here for a reason. (But) All Blacks is a different level. So it's up to us to get around each other and best prepare for this level." The expectations are high for the All Blacks to start their campaign off with a big win over a very inexperienced and understrength French team, which was today further hampered with news of an injuries to fullback Cheikh Tiberghien and wing Gabin Villière. However, in typical All Black fashion, Mr Savea said no opponent would be taken lightly. "It's what the jersey demands, and it doesn't matter who you play. You have to go out there and put your best foot forward. That's just the standard we uphold for ourselves." RNZ
RNZ News
24-05-2025
- Sport
- RNZ News
Rugby live updates: Black Ferns v USA
American star Ilona Maher and Black Ferns legend Portia Woodman will square off at North Harbour Stadium. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / Photosport The Black Ferns need a big win to seize back the Pacific Four title, after their draw last weekend against Canada. Standing in their way are the American women, with social media superstar Ilona Maher starting at centre. Kickoff is 3:35pm NZT.
