The Government will launch an investigation into planning rules that restrict the number of concerts and events at Eden Park, as ministers suggest the constraints could be limiting the venue's economic potential.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism Minister Louise Upston said current restrictions under the Auckland Unitary Plan may be preventing the near-50,000-seat stadium from hosting more concerts, sporting events, and large-scale functions.
"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.
An extra $45m in funding is aimed at helping attract global acts and support local events. (Source: 1News)
Yesterday, the Government announced a $70 million tourism investment package – a combination of new money and widened criteria for existing funding.
Upston said the package would "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".
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has previously suggested the Government would look at the Eden Park rules, citing them as an example of red tape holding back the economy.
Eden Park was currently allowed to host six artists playing a total of 12 shows per year, Bishop said in today's announcement.
"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 faced similar limitations, he said, with a cap of 25 night-time fixtures annually, restricted to weekday evenings between 7.30pm and 9.30pm, with no Sunday games allowed. Conferences were also limited to 2000 people.
Bishop said he would lead an investigation under new powers granted by the Resource Management (Consenting and Other System Changes) Amendment Bill, which allows the minister to modify or remove RMA provisions that negatively impact economic growth, development capacity or employment.
There were steps and safeguards associated with the use of this power, he said.
"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, according to the Government.
Luxon suggested earlier this year that Auckland Council could open Eden Park up to "unlimited" concerts.
"Kiwis spend thousands flying across the Tasman to see massive concerts, go out to bars and restaurants, and boost the Australian economy when, back home, Eden Park sits empty because of council event rules," the Prime Minister said in a state of the nation address in January to the Auckland Chamber of Commerce.
"Now in fairness, the council has increased the limit, but I think they should seriously consider abolishing it completely.
"There’s always a reason to say no, but if we keep saying no, we’ll keep going nowhere.
"We need larger ports. We need more concerts."
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