NIKKI KAYE (National—Auckland Central) : I am very pleased to be supporting this private bill, the Eden Park Trust Amendment Bill. In fact, I have been champing at the bit to get up and speak on it. The Rugby World Cup will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand.
The estimated contribution is, I think, about $500 million in additional GDP to the New Zealand economy, including $240 million to the Auckland economy.
I start by acknowledging a few people. The Hon Murray McCully has already acknowledged Mr Mallard’s contribution over a number of years to debate about the stadium, and I also acknowledge his contribution. I acknowledge the contributions from a number of entities, such as the New Zealand Rugby Union and the ASB Community Trust, to this redevelopment. The redevelopment is about having a world-class venue for Auckland. The venue has a capacity of 60,000, and I think it is important to acknowledge that it is not about just the Rugby World Cup. This stadium will be around for many generations of New Zealanders, so we will have a world-class venue for other cultural events. So I am very pleased to support this legislation. It is good legislation. The select committee recommended a change to the commencement date so that the Act will come into force 30 days after it receives the Royal assent. The real purpose of that change was to ensure that as early as possible we allow appropriate governance and management operations to be sorted out prior to the completion of the redevelopment.
I do not intend to give a very large contribution, but I want to acknowledge that the development is about more than just the Rugby World Cup, although a huge benefit to the New Zealand economy will come from the Rugby World Cup. The bill is good legislation that is supported across the House. The benefits are massive, not only to Auckland but also to New Zealand. I am very pleased to support this bill, not only for the people of Auckland Central, who will have the benefit of many rugby fans walking the streets of Ponsonby down to party central, which I know members opposite are so supportive of, but also for the local community of Mount Eden. I know that there will be improved integration for the local community through enhancements in transport, landscaping, urban design, and other park amenities.
So I commend this bill to the House, and I congratulate the Hon Murray McCully on this private bill. I congratulate all other members who have been involved in this. I look forward to the Rugby World Cup and I look forward to the massive contribution it will make to the New Zealand economy, and I look forward to the contribution the new stadium will make for generations to come.
