Auckland Council to discuss future of stadiums

Auckland Council's set to discuss the future of the city's sports stadiums.

Regional Facilities Auckland wants to make better use of the venues and reduce costs by shifting around what sports play at which stadium.

Councillor George Wood says having three major stadia - Eden Park, Mt Smart and North Harbour - is too much for a region the size of Auckland.

"Unfortunately we are staring in the face of a situation where some of these stadia are surplus to requirement and really this review is looking at all the factors and trying to work out a way forward."

George Wood says the cash flow generated from the stadia don't meet the cost of operating and maintaining them.

He says something needs to be done about North Harbour Stadium.

"The North Harbour Stadium's had this difficulty that the provincial rugby team hasn't performed for a number of years - that's been a real limitation."

George Wood says Eden Park also has limitations because of its close proximity to residents.

Meanwhile Auckland Cricket wants to remain based at Eden Park.

There's also a plan to explore the suitability of Western Springs to host test cricket - and local cricket in the longer term.

Auckland Cricket chief executive Mark Cameron says they've got over 100 years of history at Eden Park.

"With the recent reinstatement of the number two ground, it really meets all of our needs - current playing and training needs."

Photo: Photosport