Towns to fund arena?

‘‘I’m not saying no, but it’s got to be done in the right way and so far it hasn’t been.’’ Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers

Christchurch’s nearest neighbours may be prepared to chip in for the city’s planned $500 million multi-use arena, but insist any contributions must be fair.

The idea of a regional rate to help fund the project was raised in last year’s feasibility report from the Stadium Trust.

Selwyn District Mayor Sam Broughton said yesterday rural ratepayers should contribute, but other mayors were more cautious. Selwyn and Waimakariri districts’ populations total 123,000, about one-third of Christchurch’s 387,000.

The Christchurch City Council has earmarked $253 million for the $500m project, and the central Government’s contribution hinges on this month’s Budget.

Broughton said a conversation about regional funding was needed, but required Christchurch’s leadership. ‘‘That conversation [should] happen now; let’s kick on with it. I think we need the stadium built in our city and would like to see that happen.’’

Hurunui Mayor Winton Dalley said the stadium would have some benefit to his region, but with a population of 13,000, they were already stretched. He supported indirect contributions through regional rates but not an extra burden on Hurunui rates.

Waimakariri Mayor David Ayers said they had never been consulted.

‘‘I’m not saying no, but it’s got to be done in the right way and so far it hasn’t been. Any conversation needs to be in the context of Canterbury, and ECan has to be involved in that.’’

The project would have some benefit to Waimakariri, he said.

Greater Christchurch Regeneration Minister Megan Woods described the option of a regional rate as ‘‘a decision for the various councils involved’’.

ECan chairman Steve Lowndes said ways to fund amenities regionally ranged from a lumpsum contribution to a targeted regional rate.

ECan had received no formal approach so the idea was not included in its long-term plan, Lowndes said. ‘‘The most suitable forum in which to discuss the matter would be through the Canterbury Mayoral Forum.’’

The forum consists of ECan’s chairman and the mayors of its 10 contributing councils.

The Stadium Trust report said most New Zealand stadiums produced insufficient income to repay loans, so councils usually met repayments and Christchurch would need to do the same. Regional rates funding stadiums was not uncommon and was done for Dunedin and Wellington, the report said.

Some regional residents interviewed by The Press yesterday called the stadium essential; others did not want to pay for something of no benefit to them.