And is Eden Park 2.1 the answer? Graham Medcalf investigates.
In the aftermath of Taylor Swift’s absence from New Zealand leaving fans disappointed, questions have arisen about whether the country possesses a collection of venues that are fit to host major events and concerts.
Although Aotearoa boasts a rich sporting culture and vibrant arts and entertainment scene, the lack of concert venues with a capacity of 60,000 or more often leaves us overlooked by major international tours. We’ve successfully hosted events like the 2011 Rugby World Cup and the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, but the future of such events is uncertain here without larger stadiums.
The debate over a new main stadium in Auckland has intensified, with a panel set up in September 2023 to evaluate long-term options and provide non-binding recommendations to the council. Initially, eight contenders were considered, but the list has been narrowed down to four:
- Redeveloping Eden Park. This option involves increasing the capacity of our national stadium to 60,000, with plans for a retractable roof, a new north stand, upgrades to other grandstands, and a pedestrian accessway.
- Quay Park proposal. Situated near Spark Arena, this 50,000-seat stadium would be part of a new sports and entertainment precinct on the waterfront.
- Waterfront Arena Aotearoa. A ‘sunken stadium’ at Bledisloe Wharf, with a 50,000-seat capacity that’s potentially expandable to 70,000.
- Tank Farm proposal. A 50,000 to 60,000-seat stadium at Wynyard Point.
These proposals aim to address the venue shortage, but concerns have been raised about whether they’ll provide sufficient capacity for future major events. As CEO of Eden Park, Nick Sautner, stated, “We’re not opposed to a waterfront stadium; however, serious consideration must be given to the economic viability of building an additional stadium in a city that’s growing rapidly and must deliver core infrastructure projects to support that growth.”
Eden Park remains a jewel in Auckland’s crown, offering unique facilities for hire, suitable for a range of events, whether meetings for 10 guests or sit-down functions for 1,500.
With its central location, multiple function rooms, corporate suites, catering services, ample parking and proximity to public transport, it’s a versatile venue, but the restriction of six concerts per year due to noise, traffic and community concerns has been a contentious issue.
Nearby residents, including former Prime Minister Helen Clark, have opposed increasing the number of events, citing noise pollution and disruption to the surrounding residential areas.
It’s important to note that Eden Park has the potential to host more concerts by capacity – up to 60,000 on Saturdays and days before public holidays – but the restrictions are in place to manage the potential negative impacts on the surrounding area and its residents.
Eden Park Trust is working on an application to amend the resource consent, as some residents have become more supportive following the Taylor Swift disappointment. Substantial public investment has already been made in Eden Park, and its financially and environmentally sustainable approach to delivering a covered, hybrid venue connected to key transport networks is being touted.
“We would question the comparative value that comes from supporting Eden Park 2.1 as opposed to building a separate venue that’s possibly not suitable for all sports, entertainment and community events,” says Sautner.
“Recognising that everyone has a role to play in achieving Aotearoa New Zealand’s net zero carbon goal by 2050, Eden Park 2.1 prioritises the principles of sustainability and carbon reduction through the adaptation and reuse of existing structures.”
Eden Park’s current sustainability projects include converting stadium lighting from halogen to LED; the removal of plastics from food and beverage operations; the introduction of Morningside Urban Market Garden, Morningside Urban Compost Kitchen and Eden Park beehives on site; restricting personal vehicles during large events to encourage the use of public transport, including free return bus and train passes for some events; addressing e-waste; sending match-day waste to be sorted off site for recycling and composting; the installation of quiet rooms to support visitors with different sensory needs; EV-charging stations; shifting to virtual on-field logos, as opposed to painted; the use of eco-friendly cleaning products and natural herbicides; harvesting water for irrigation; and water bore collaboration with Watercare that saves 16 million litres of water per year.
The proposed transformation would convert the existing 60,000-seat Eden Park stadium into a sport and entertainment fortress, with a retractable roof, upgraded stands, a new north stand, and a pedestrian bridge linking to the Kingsland train station.
It has already cemented its status as New Zealand’s national stadium, but these additions would guarantee play and broadcast in any weather conditions, accommodate multiple fields of play options (including rectangle and oval play formats) and deliver new function and entertainment spaces.
All-weather events would provide certainty to hirers and promoters, potentially guaranteeing increased content for Auckland and New Zealand, with positive economic impacts through increased visitor nights and spending
in local businesses.
As the only stadium in New Zealand with a capacity large enough to host World Cup tournaments, Eden Park has played an important role in securing three women’s world cup tournaments in the past two years – most recently the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which had a significant positive impact on the region.
Christchurch’s $683 million Te Kaha stadium, which is expected to open in 2026, is designed to host 200 events annually, attracting about 500,000 people and generating approximately $28 million in economic activity. With a 25,000-seat, roofed capacity expandable to 30,000, it aims to host major events like All Blacks tests, World Cup football qualifiers and big concerts. Other centres like Hamilton (Waikato Stadium, 25,800 seats), Wellington (Wellington Regional Stadium, 34,500 seats) and Dunedin (Forsyth Barr Stadium, 30,748 seats) also offer additional venues.
Auckland’s Western Springs can host concerts and festivals for up to 55,000 people. On the city’s waterfront, the Viaduct Events Centre is a premium venue with six spaces, including a banquet space for up to 1,200 guests, ideal for conventions, while the Cloud, a multi-purpose venue erected as a temporary structure in 2011, also remains available for large events.
Although New Zealand has a diverse range of venues, the lack of large-scale concert venues other than Eden Park continues to be a limitation, often preventing the country from hosting major international tours and events.
As the debate over a new main stadium in Auckland rages, careful consideration must be given to ensuring that any new development has the capacity and flexibility to meet the nation’s future needs, while also addressing concerns related to noise, traffic and community impact.
“I’ve always believed that stadiums should be considered a blank canvas, ready to showcase a variety of events, experiences and community functions,” Sautner tells NZ Marketing.
“With this in mind, we’ve set out to diversify Eden Park’s experiences over recent years, and Eden Park is proud to host a wide range of content. On any given day, the stadium could be hosting a major event, facilitating a corporate function, hosting hundreds of tourists for stadium tours or holding a community fundraiser.
“Eden Park’s core content covers sports, arts and culture, community events, concerts and entertainment, and we also have a portfolio of tourism experiences that run on both event and non-event days, including the Eden Park Haka Experience, Staydium Glamping, stadium tours and the Sky Sport Rooftop Tour. These experiences give people the opportunity to see the stadium from a new and exciting perspective.”
Eden Park may be known as the Fortress, thanks to the All Blacks’ undefeated record, but alongside the traditional cricket and rugby fixtures, it host events such as Art in the Park, Te Matatini, concerts like the recent spectacular Pink extravaganza, G9 Golf, and the recent FIFA Women’s World Cup, so perhaps New Zealand does have at least one fit-for-purpose venue to host major events, concerts and more.
This was first published in our March/April 2024 issue.
