An open expression of interest (EOI) process seeking new operators for North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct (NHS) has determined that the existing operator, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU), will retain management of the stadium precinct.
The locally-led EOI process began in January and resulted in two submissions. The EOI evaluation panel’s assessment of the proposals determined that neither proposal met all of the requirements of the EOI or were suitable for delivering an improved outcome for NHS, compared to the status quo.
The evaluation panel unanimously recommended that TAU retain management of the Albany venue with a refocused operational model that includes greater collaboration with local community groups.
“We are pleased to conclude Stage 1 of what has been a robust process. While the intention was to seek a new operator for North Harbour Stadium, the outcome needed to deliver on the key criteria laid out in the EOI – such as increased connection with the community and at least matching, if not improving on, the stadium’s recent financial performance,” said Chairperson of the Upper Harbour Local Board and member of the NHS Steering Group, Anna Atkinson.
“Independent financial analysis of the proposals received pointed to increased costs to ratepayers, when compared to the existing operating costs. The proposition of added financial burden to ratepayers, alongside assessment of other criteria within the proposals, was what led to the panel’s recommendation of TAU remaining operators of the stadium.”
The evaluation panel concluded that retaining TAU presented a lower risk than a change of operator, while still being able to deliver improved outcomes in the short-to-medium term.
“We are looking forward to engaging with local groups and community champions to ensure that North Harbour Stadium helps to deliver on Auckland Council’s stadium network investment objectives. It has been a positive year for the venue to date – hosting international All Whites and Black Ferns gates alongside the fantastic Moana Pasifika season. We are excited to be in a position to maintain and nurture that momentum,” said Tātaki Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive, Nick Hill.
The focus of the steering group will now shift, as planned, to Stage 2 of the process – determining a long-term vision for North Harbour Stadium.
“While status quo was not the outcome that the steering group anticipated before the EOI process started, we’re now excited to be getting into Stage 2 of our programme of work, which will determine the long-term future of North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct. Both the Hibiscus and Bays, and Upper Harbour local boards have allocated funds to deliver this refocused vision for the stadium and precinct this financial year. We recognise the desire for the North Shore community and communities across Auckland to see North Harbour thrive and we are committed to delivering that outcome,” said Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chairperson and evaluation panel member, Alexis Poppelbaum.
Stage 2 will be run by the North Harbour Stadium Steering Group, with input and collaboration from TAU as the operators. It is expected to conclude by December next year.
