Eden Park puts its case on turf money
Eden Park is ramping up its case for $1.5 million from ratepayers for a new playing surface on the grounds it will be around for 10 to 15 more years to benefit Aucklanders.
Eden Park Trust Board chairman Doug McKay has asked mayor Phil Goff for the money to ensure All Black tests and international T20 cricket matches can continue to be held in Auckland.
McKay yesterday said Eden Park is getting by “year by year” with the deteriorating turf that if not replaced “would lead to an inability to continue to host international events at the required standard”.
At 15 years old, the turf drains at only 25 per cent capacity, so bad weather could pose problems.
Head groundsman Blair Christiansen said the turf was coming to the end of its useful life and the top 100mm
needed replacing.
McKay has listed several reasons why the council should fund the new turf, including the park’s challenging financial position after being lumbered with a $46m debt after the Rugby World Cup in 2011, and a new stadium debate eroding confidence in the park.
He is miffed at the council’s refusal to relax rules for events, like concerts; and accused it of subsidising its
own stadiums to pinch business from Eden Park.
The objectives of the Eden Park Trust Deed are to run the park for rugby and cricket as well as musical and cultural events for the people of Auckland, McKay said.
The turf issue is the latest in a tense relationship between Eden Park and Auckland councils going back before the Super City was formed in 2010.
Auckland Council, where
McKay was the first chief executive for three years, and the former Auckland City Council have not funded Eden Park, only been guarantors and underwritten loans for park improvements.
Goff said the turf funding request had sparked broader discussions on finances.
The park has been able to pay running costs and interest on the $46m debt, but not depreciation costs of about $8m a year for future works.