The Government is looking at whether rules limiting concerts, sporting events and conferences at Eden Park are holding the stadium back.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism Minister Louise Upston announced that an investigation will be launched into the planning restrictions currently in place at New Zealand’s largest stadium.
“Eden Park, with a seating capacity of about 50,000 seats, is New Zealand’s largest major events stadium. Concerts and major sporting events held at Eden Park inject millions of dollars into Auckland’s economy from locals and visitors alike – but current planning rules could be holding Eden Park back from doing more,” Upston said.
She pointed out that concerts held at the venue last summer boosted Auckland’s economy by nearly $32 million. “These events created jobs and had local hospitality businesses humming.
“We want to see more events like these, and the Government’s $70 million events and tourism investment package announced yesterday will allow New Zealand to compete with Australia to host big events and will give international visitors even more reasons to come and explore New Zealand, while also encouraging Kiwis to get out and about.”
Bishop said the investigation will look closely at the restrictions.
“We’ve heard that there are local rules and constraints around Eden Park that could be restricting its ability to host events.
“For example, Eden Park is only allowed to host six artists playing a total of 12 shows per year. These shows can only take place on certain days of the week, can only have a maximum duration of five hours, have to be finished by 11pm on weekdays, and can host no more than four concerts in a four-week period.
“Sporting events face many barriers too. The stadium is currently not allowed to host more than 25 night-time sporting events per year, and they can only be between 7.30pm and 9.30 pm on weekdays (except for cricket which can go until 10pm). Sporting events can’t take place on Sunday evenings.
“And despite the stadium’s huge capacity, conferences can’t have more than 2000 people.”
Bishop said the investigation will be run under new powers in the Resource Management Act that allow the Minister for RMA Reform to remove or change plan rules if they are found to be limiting economic growth, development or jobs.
“There are steps and safeguards associated with the use of this power. The Minister must investigate the impacts of the provisions and whether specified statutory criteria are met, and produce a report which must be made publicly available.
“The Minister must then report to Cabinet with the findings, for a final decision on any changes to the Auckland Unitary Plan. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks.”
Under current Auckland Unitary Plan rules, Eden Park faces the following restrictions:
- Sports events: No more than 25 night-time events per year, no Sunday night games, no more than four night events in a 35-day period, and no daytime activity on days when night events are held.
- Concerts: No more than 12 per year, no Sunday concerts unless before a public holiday, five-hour limit on weekdays, six-hour limit on weekends, and at least one concert-free weekend every five weeks.
- Conferences: Attendance capped at 2000 people.
