Auckland needs to support Eden Park and the World Cup

Manukau Mayor Len Brown is calling on Auckland’s leaders to support Eden Park and the World Cup by underwriting a portion of the Eden Park redevelopment.

“Throughout the country, communities and ratepayers are investing in major upgrades of stadia for the World Cup. Eden Park will be hosting the major games. The Auckland region will cater for the bulk of the visitors. The region needs to invest in the regional assets – like Eden Park – to ensure we have world-class facilities in place.

“Eden Park is an Auckland stadium for all Aucklanders. The upgrade is looking magnificent. We will enjoy the benefits of the upgrade for decades to come. The government is investing $190 million in the Eden Park upgrade. The underwrite will be assumed by the new Auckland Council from November, and it will be the responsibility of all Aucklanders. We need to ensure we play our part.

“The underwriting required means the council will act as a guarantee on loans which the Eden Park Redevelopment Trust needs to raise to pay for the final stages of the project while it secures commercial sponsorships. While the underwriting may never be called upon, if it is it will be on a commercial basis and paid back to ratepayers.

“I call on Auckland’s civic leaders to support Eden Park and the World Cup. It is time to cut through the logjams which are occurring and ensure that this city has in place the infrastructure needed to be a superb host to the world’s third largest sporting event.”