5. RODNEY HIDE (Leader—ACT) Link to this
to the Minister for the Rugby World Cup
How much is the upgrade of Eden Park expected to cost taxpayers, and how many seats does he expect to be available for New Zealanders for the 2011 World Cup final?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN (Leader of the House) Link to this
The Government has agreed to underwrite the redevelopment of Eden Park up to $190 million. This will meet the commitments made to the International Rugby Board for a 60,000-seat stadium of a quality befitting a Rugby World Cup final. Ticket allocations for the 2011 Rugby World Cup are still to be finalised, and will be determined by Rugby New Zealand 2011 Ltd in conjunction with the International Rugby Board.
Has the Government made commitments towards the $270 million “legacy option” for Eden Park; can the Minister explain how the cost has escalated more than 150 percent in the last 10 months, and how much further is it expected to rise, particularly with the Government commitment, before the stadium is completed?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
No; the estimate of $270 million made by, I think, Mayor John Banks includes peripheral costs as well, such as stormwater and roading upgrades and other infrastructure development.
I raise a point of order, Madam Speaker. I am sorry, but I just could not hear any of that answer. Could the Minister please repeat it? There was some disturbance to my left.
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
The answer to the first part of the question was “No”. The answer to the second part was that, as I understand, some of the estimates of apparent increases include peripheral costs—infrastructure such as stormwater, roading upgrades, and so on.
Does the Minister consider that paying $19,000 a seat for a one-off event is good value for taxpayer money, and has the Government considered what benefits this funding could provide for other sporting codes that are desperately short of any money?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
This is not just a matter of paying for a stadium for a one-off game; this is part of the Rugby World Cup. We expect to attract a significant number of overseas visitors, which would generate significant increased revenue for New Zealand—including increased taxation revenue.
Ron MarkDoes the Minister not realise that no matter how much money is poured into Eden Park we will still end up with a dog of a stadium in a dog of a location; why does the Government not simply cut from Auckland and put the money into completing the AMI Stadium in Christchurch, where the next All Black coach will come from?
Hon Dr MICHAEL CULLEN Link to this
I think the member is prematurely anticipating what may be the outcome of the Rugby Union’s deliberations, which, according to my latest information—newspapers, which, of course, are to be relied upon in these matters—is far from settled in that respect. It is appropriate that the final of the Rugby World Cup is held in New Zealand’s premier rugby location, in New Zealand’s largest city. I am advised by the Prime Minister that that is Auckland.