Many neighbours may not be aware that Eden park is self financing and receives no grants or subsidies from local or national authorities.  The Park does have a loan which is on a commercial basis with the Auckland City Council and is being repaid on an annual basis.  The current balance of the loan is aproximately $6m.  The Eden Park Trust Board operates the Park on a non-profit basis as any surpluses are returned into maintenance of the Park and the upgrading of facilities.

TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre - Manakua City Council has contributed less than 50% of the project cost.  The national average for Councils contributions for such community projects is 76%. ( view article )

 

Vector Arena - The Herald recently carried a story about Auckland City's $69m contribution to the new Vector Stadium

Similar things happened with the Cake Tin in Wellington and Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

The Trust Board engaged Covec to undertake an economic assessment of events held at the Park.  As you are aware, Eden Park is privately funded although it does have a commercial loan with Auckland City which is being repaid on an annual basis.  While the Park is conscious of its imposition on the neighbourhood because of its location, it is also important to recognise the economic activity generated by events held at the Park.

The results of the economic impact study reveal that a Bledisloe Cup game is worth $12.8 million to the Auckland region, an A grade All Black Test $8 million, Super 12 events $1.5 million - $2 million and a Cricket One Day International $1 million - 1.5 million. Annually, year in; year out the Park’s economic contribution can exceed $25 million.

Special events, like the Lions Tour can have an even greater impact.  The two recent Lions fixtures at Eden Park, which saw a large influx of overseas supporters, generated $43.5 million for the Auckland region. This equalled the impact of the two America’s Cup events held in Auckland.  Nationally the Lions Tour generated some $135 million over a very short nine week time span.

Events are becoming an increasingly competitive business as countries, regions and cities rush to benefit from the economic impact and job creation that they bring to the community.  Eden Park finds itself in competition not only with other New Zealand stadium but increasingly with major Australian stadiums.  The Park is working closely with both the ARC and the ACC to ensure that New Zealand’s major region can retain and grow its ability to host major cricket and rugby events.