Stadium can only proceed with public support

All Otago communities should have the opportunity to explore the implications of upgrading or developing a new stadium in Dunedin, Otago Regional Council Chairman Stephen Cairns said.

"Proposals of the scale of a new Carisbrook require detailed planning and due diligence by all the parties involved, and this cannot be completed until a clear proposal is tabled," Cr Cairns said.

Responding to comments by Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin about the "new" Carisbrook, Cr Cairns said it was crucial all questions about the development remained open to enquiry and investigation at this stage. "No one can know the full nature of costs and benefits to the city and region until further material is presented by the Carisbrook Stadium Trust."

"Getting the information needed to make sound decisions about proposals as substantial as this, and potentially involving the University of Otago, requires time and patience," Cr Cairns said. 

"Given the makeup of the Carisbrook Stadium Trust, we are confident they are acting responsibly in the investigation stage before making any formal approaches to any potential funding bodies."

"The Otago Regional Council has not formulated a formal position on any of the mooted stadium developments as only bare bones concepts are available at present," Cr Cairns said.  "If the Otago Regional Council is asked for some assistance, it would engage the communities of Otago with an open mind to ascertain the public will towards the preferred options yet to be presented by the Trust, and endeavour to meet the appropriate timelines."

"If any development is to proceed, it has to be on the basis of sound knowledge and public support, and that cannot yet be assessed."

Stephen Cairns
Chairman
474-0827 or 021 190 1177