Eden Park agreement boosts events at New Zealand stadium

Image: Eden Park on Facebook

A new Eden Park agreement means Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby will leave New Zealand’s biggest stadium, paving the way for more events to be held there.

Eden Park Trust has welcomed the signing of the Foundation Agreement as an important step forward for the future of Auckland’s stadium network, supporting greater utilisation of the venue and the economic, social and cultural value it delivers.

Eden Park said that signed by Auckland Council, the Crown, Eden Park Trust, Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby, the agreement creates a pathway to resolve long-standing legacy arrangements and support a more sustainable, fit-for-purpose stadium network for Auckland.

Under the deal, Auckland Cricket will relocate to Colin Maiden Park in Glen Innes, supported by joint investment from the New Zealand Government and Auckland Council, while Auckland Rugby is looking at options for a new regional facility better aligned to its long-term needs.

Eden Park is a sports venue in Auckland, New Zealand. It is located 3 km Southwest of the Auckland Central Business District (CBD) on the boundary between the suburbs of Mount Eden and Kingsland. The main stadium has a nominal capacity of 50,000 and is sometimes referred to as New Zealand’s national stadium.

Eden Park is owned and operated by The Eden Park Trust, an independent charitable trust. Auckland Council has no ownership rights or control over the Trust.

Eden Park Trust Board Chair Simon Bridges says the new Eden Park agreement is significant because it gives the venue greater flexibility to operate as a modern, multipurpose venue.

He said, “This framework supports our future plans for Eden Park by providing a pathway for long-standing legacy arrangements with Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby to be resolved.

“It creates greater opportunity to better utilise Eden Park for the benefit of Aucklanders and future generations.”
 

Multipurpose venue

Bridges thanked central government and Auckland Council for the collaborative approach taken to progress an outcome that supports both the long-term future of Eden Park as a multi-purpose venue and a stronger stadium network for Auckland.

He said, “Eden Park is a community asset for Auckland and a strategic asset for New Zealand. We would like to thank the Government and Auckland Council for their leadership in helping progress an agreement that supports a more sustainable future for the venue and for Auckland’s wider stadium network.

“In particular, we want to acknowledge Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson for her support and recognition of the important role Eden Park plays in Auckland’s future.”

Auckland Deputy Mayor Desley Simpson says the Eden Park agreement is a positive and practical step for Auckland.

Simpson said, “This agreement helps create a pathway for Eden Park to be used more effectively in the years ahead, while also supporting a stronger and more sustainable stadium network for Auckland. That is good for Aucklanders, good for ratepayers and good for the wider economy.”

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner says the agreement supports Eden Park’s ability to deliver more for Auckland and New Zealand over the long term.

He said, “For Eden Park, this is about creating greater flexibility to better utilise the stadium, continue evolving as a modern, multi-purpose venue and ensure this iconic venue remains fit for purpose for future generations. That matters not only for Auckland, but for New Zealand as a whole.”

Sautner says the agreement comes at an important time for Eden Park as it continues to build on its role as a globally recognised venue for sport, entertainment, culture and major events.

He added, “Greater utilisation is critical to the long-term success of a stadium like Eden Park. It is how we continue to deliver significant economic, social and cultural value for Auckland and New Zealand, while ensuring this venue remains relevant, sustainable and capable of hosting the experiences people want to be part of.”

The Foundation Agreement establishes a framework for the parties to work together on future stadium developments and the transition of tenant organisations to facilities better suited to their long-term needs.

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