Stadium Donors Acknowledged And Thanked

The Mayor of Dunedin, Dave Cull, has expressed the city’s appreciation to three organisations each of whom have made significant contributions to the development of the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

The three, The Southern Trust, Lion Foundation and New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) have committed more than $1.45 million between them to various stadium development projects.

NZCT contributed $905,000 to towards the development and installation of the Desso Grass Master playing surface system and the stadium’s media suite. Southern Trust also contributed $50,000 towards the playing surface system.

The Lion Foundation donated $300,000 to the provision of moveable seating in the East Stand.

“Each of these contributions has helped ensure the stadium project was successfully completed in time for our RWC 2011 commitments” said Mayor Dave Cull. “The city’s ratepayers are fortunate to have benefitted from such generous and visionary support in what are increasingly difficult financial times.”

NZCT chairman Peter Dale says the trust is proud to support the Forsyth Barr Stadium.

“NZCT is one of the largest funders of amateur sport in New Zealand and we are particularly interested in grants which offer long-term, sustainable benefits to sporting groups and communities,” says Mr Dale. “The stadium’s reinforced turf greatly increases the number of playing and training hours available for local sports clubs. This is a positive community outcome, which could only be achieved with the help of the local NZCT publicans who helped us raise the funds for this project. I’d like to express my thanks to them for helping us achieve such a great result.”

Speaking on behalf of the Lion Foundation, Chief Executive Phil Holden said:

“The Lion Foundation was pleased to be able to support the development of the Forsyth Barr Stadium. The community of Dunedin now has what surely must be the best stadium in the country located in the city. This development is something we believe the city and wider community will reflect on in the future as a defining initiative that delivered real momentum within the local community.”

And Evan Moore, chairman of the locally based Southern Trust commented:

“The Forsyth Barr Stadium is a great asset for Dunedin. This very special stadium will provide a wonderful incentive for all types of events to come to Dunedin. Ultimately the city will benefit for generations to come and the trustees of the Southern Trust are very happy to support the best stadium in New Zealand!”