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Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
A tale of two stadiums, and both may have unhappy endings
Joss Miller considers Dunedin's past and present stadium quandaries. Forsyth Barr Stadium was opened with considerable fanfare in 2011, having been finished just in time for the Rugby World Cup that year and was the venue for several of those games. The decision in March 2008 to proceed with its construction was controversial. The cost was substantial and has been borne primarily by the city's ratepayers. Its predecessor Carisbrook had its origins back in 1883 and hosted its first rugby international in 1908. It enjoyed a remarkable era as a venue primarily for rugby and cricket but also for concerts and other events. Compelling arguments were were put forward as to how it could be modernised and brought up to 21st century standards for a fraction of the cost of the proposed new roofed stadium. Despite that, a decision was made to proceed with the new stadium construction. I witnessed the final tier 1 international rugby test at Carisbrook in 2010 and what a wonderful, but sadly nostalgic, occasion that was. The first rugby match at Forsyth Barr Stadium took place in August 2011 between the West Coast and North Otago, heralding in a new era. Having Rugby World Cup games later that year was something of a bonus. The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010-11 had devastating consequences for Christchurch and environs, including the loss of Lancaster Park's Jade Stadium, its primary rugby venue and events centre. To some extent we became a beneficiary of their misfortune and in the decade from 2011, Dunedin continued to host rugby tests and also attracted a number of top international concerts and artists. Major events, however, have declined in the last three years with the Dunedin stadium idle for much of the time. Christchurch's new roofed stadium is due to open in April next year as a rugby and multi-events centre. It is likely this added competition will put even more strain on Forsyth Barr Stadium's already tenuous financial situation. Though the Carisbrook clock can no longer be turned back, its history should not be forgotten. Its location was ideal in many ways, situated in the city's south and with ample suburban parking. In contrast, Forsyth Barr Stadium, on the edge of studentville, is a real bottleneck and poses significant challenges for vehicles and pedestrians during major events. Carisbrook had a variety of stands, each unique, with the terraces a special feature. Capacity crowds of about 40,000 spectators were common for test matches. Top-level international cricket matches also attracted very large numbers. It was a multipurpose venue hosting groups such as The Chills and Shihad as well as Joe Cocker and many other performers. These are all memories now but, in my opinion, there was a very strong case for continuing with Carisbrook. Looking forward though, as we must do, it is still appropriate and necessary that questions are asked, and answers sought as to the financial state of Forsyth Barr Stadium and the vision for its future. We were recently told that the current life expectancy of the stadium is 30-35 years, a troubling prospect indeed. Was the duration of the stadium ever mentioned or discussed at the time the decision to proceed was made and has this become a permanent financial burden for Dunedin ratepayers? Unfortunately, it looks like a tale of two stadiums could well have sad endings for both. — Joss Miller is a retired Dunedin lawyer.
NZ Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Review: Synthony's Full Metal Orchestra and Origins delight at Spark Arena
Toogood also performed Pacifier, by Shihad. He noted he was 27 when he wrote it and was now 54, so his voice would've changed since then. Toogood performed crowd pleaser songs like Rain by Dragon, and Split Enz's I Got You. He noted performing his classic Home Again that he'd played it during his time in Shihad hundreds of times a year, so would change the lyrics to entertain himself and the band. Synthony's audience got one of these 'Put your c*** back in your undies.' Toogood's performance set the tone for what was to come. The Auckland Philharmonia was ably conducted by the brilliant Sarah-Grace Williams, who is one of the stars of Synthony's performances around New Zealand, Australia and the globe. Toogood ran back on stage for Enter Sandman by Metallica. The night also belonged to EJ Barnes, daughter of Jimmy Barnes, who has clearly inherited her vocal talents from her dad. Jennie Skulander from Devilskin was also a highlight on songs like Led Zeppelin's Immigrant Song. There was a tribute to the late Prince of Darkness, Ozzy Osbourne, who died on July 22. Toogood performed a brilliant version of Black Sabbath's War Pigs. AC/DC's ex-drummer Phil Rudd, who has lived in Tauranga for years, was also a tour de force. Welcomed to the stage for Thunderstruck, with Barnes singing and Wellington musician Seamus Johnson behind the microphone for Highway to Hell. Other features of the night included Skulander tackling Aerials by System of A Down, with other songs including Master of Puppets by Metallica performed by Toogood. For the finale, all the musicians came back, with Rudd performing on AC/DC's It's a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock 'n' Roll), with bagpipers also on stage. Manuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra at Spark Arena on Saturday night. Photo / RadLab After the performance of Full Metal Orchestra, we filed out to eat chicken wings and wait for the performance of Synthony's Origins featuring EDM classics that began Synthony's worldwide run. The crowd at Manuka Phuel Full Metal Orchestra at Spark Arena on Saturday night. Photo / RadLab The next section began with Bevan Keys and Synthony's musical director Dick Johnson and an MC performing a DJ set. They were followed by Australian EDM pioneers Sneaky Sound System with singer Connie Thembi Mitchell's powerful voice and rainbow coloured outfit on show. The orchestra then returned to get into the spectacle that was Origins. Great visuals highlighted Williams' conducting. Emily Williams and Nyree Huyser stunned on vocals. Great visuals accompanied 'Epic Sax Guy' and Synthony OG Lewis McCallum for Fat Boy Slim's Right Here Right Now. Daft Punk songs were also played, with Around the World and Sam Allen on vocals for One More Time. The night was then taken back to 1995 with Robert Miles' Children and songs also going back in time, like Feel So Close by Calvin Harris and Levels by Avicii. As the night ended, fans of Synthony's famous fusion of classical and EDM classics would not be disappointed, with the night eventually closed out with Darude's Sandstorm, which has become Synthony's theme song.
NZ Herald
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Ozzy Osbourne dies at 76: Shihad's Jon Toogood ‘shellshocked' as world reacts
The frontman for New Zealand rock band Shihad says he is 'shellshocked' by Ozzy Osbourne's death as the world mourns the rock legend. Kiwis awoke to the news that lead singer of Black Sabbath died this morning (NZT) aged 76. In a statement provided to the Herald, Jon Toogood said:
Scoop
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scoop
Chris Bishop Frustrated By 'Politicised' Stan Walker Aotearoa Music Awards Performance
Senior government Minister Chris Bishop says he was frustrated by the politicisation of Stan Walker's performance at the Aotearoa Music Awards, when he said "what a load of crap". During Stan Walker's performance of Māori Ki te Ao, performers took to the stage with flags displaying Toitū Te Tiriti, a movement borne out of opposition to the Treaty Principles Bill and other government legislation. Bishop, who was in attendance, was seen criticising the performance, and has since said he should have kept the comments to himself. On Tuesday, Bishop told reporters his comments were not directed specifically at Walker. "I was frustrated and annoyed by the sort of overt politicking around it," he said. "It's not about Stan Walker, I actually quite like Stan Walker, actually quite liked his performance. It was just the sort of politicisation of it that frustrated me," he said. Bishop singled out the Toitū Te Tiriti "banners and paraphernalia" as the source of his frustration, not the performance itself. He said he would not be apologising to Walker. "It's not clear what I'd be apologising for." His comments led to backlash from other performers, including Don McGlashan, who was seen on video confronting Bishop. The minister said the irony was he was a "huge" Don McGlashan fan. "I love the Mutton Birds. But Don McGlashan is a noteworthy non-supporter of the National Party. People might remember the 2008 election, in which he expressed some frustration at 'Anchor Me', which is a great Mutton Birds tune, being used by TVNZ on the election night coverage," Bishop said. "His political views are quite well-known, but look it is what it is, he's entitled to his views in the same way I'm entitled to mine." Arts, culture and heritage minister Paul Goldsmith, who was also at the event, brushed off whether the performance was controversial. "There's always controversy at music awards. It goes without saying," he said. Māori Crown relations minister Tama Potaka said he disagreed with Bishop's comments, but they were for Bishop to respond to. "I absolutely love Stan Walker and his commitment to te reo, and the mahi that he does particularly in his engagement with Ratana, the hāhi. I don't agree with minister Bishop's comments, however those are a matter for him to comment on," Potaka said. Labour's Māori Development spokesperson Willie Jackson said Bishop, as a music fan, should know that music had always been political. "He should know music better than anyone. Look around the world, people have been doing that for years. Whether it's Bob Marley, Bono, whatever, it's been happening, it's not like something new. He should talk to his Shihad heroes, cos the lead singer there's got pretty good politics too." The Prime Minister told Morning Report he was comfortable with Bishop's response, and had spoken to him over the weekend. "I just got his side of the story about what he said and it was exactly as reported. He corrected it well before I got to him... he just acknowledged he should have kept his thoughts to himself," Christopher Luxon said. "The bottom line is your listeners aren't losing a lot of sleep over what a politician sharing his opinion on some music was about." Labour leader Chris Hipkins said Bishop's behaviour was disappointing, but it was for the Prime Minister to bring his ministers in line. "You've got to remember when you're a government minister that you're on public display all of the time."
NZ Herald
05-05-2025
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Revealed: The new location of Homegrown music festival
The team ran the extreme sports event X*Air at Claudelands for three years before moving it to Wellington for four years. X*Air gradually evolved into the Homegrown festival. 'Returning to the Waikato is not just about nostalgia; it's about creating something that celebrates our roots and gives back to the region that inspired us,' Tuck said. 'We want the whole of Aotearoa to feel proud of this festival, and we are committed to making it unforgettable'. The organisers said Hamilton's status as New Zealand's fastest-growing city offered potential to 'expand and evolve while staying true to its roots'. I ts central location was another reason for choosing it. 'Accessibility is key for Homegrown,' Tuck said. 'Being close to such a large population makes this dream even more achievable'. According to the release, several cities presented hosting proposals, but Hamilton's 'unique charm and cultural significance' stood out. Recent large-scale events in Hamilton include the Six60 concert in 2021 and the Summer Concert Tour 2024, both at Claudelands Oval, and the Fifa Women's World Cup 2023. Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate said with Hamilton-Australia flights starting in June, the event would be easily accessible for Kiwis and international tourists. Waikato Chamber of Commerce chief executive Don Good said the move was a great opportunity 'in so many ways'. 'With the festival's reputation for selling out and drawing crowds of more than 20,000, local businesses can expect a surge in foot traffic and revenue.' Homegrown has taken place on Wellington's waterfront since it started in 2008, growing from a crowd of 10,000 to 23,000. It showcases genres including rock, reggae, and hip-hop, and has hosted iconic acts including Sir Dave Dobbyn, Shihad, Six60, Shapeshifter and Opshop. Mitchell Hageman joined the Herald's entertainment and lifestyle team in 2024. He previously worked as a multimedia journalist for Hawke's Bay Today.
