All Blacks great adds voice to keep Auckland stadium in public hands

Tuifa'asisina Sir Bryan Williams is calling on Aucklanders to keep Western Springs stadium in public hands.

Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) have launched a public consultation on the future of Western Springs Stadium.

The council consultation document outlines three options for the site’s future: redeveloping it into a new Auckland Arena, transforming it into the Western Springs Bowl, or keeping the current setup with flexibility for alternative ideas.

Tuifa’asisina, former All Black and Ponsonby Rugby Club stalwart, is backing a community-led proposal to transform the stadium into a multi-use venue, as he fears a commercial redevelopment would erase a vital community space.

“This is not just about rugby - it’s about preserving public access to one of Auckland’s most iconic community spaces,” he says.

“We’re not looking to build walls or gates. We’re building access - access to top-class facilities at community rates.”

Tuifa’asisina supports the Bowl option, which is backed by Ponsonby Rugby Club and music promoters CRS Records and Eccles Entertainment.

It proposes:

• A 5000-8000 seat stadium for school finals, club sports, and community tournaments

• A permanent stage for concerts and cultural events

• Shared clubrooms and changing rooms for local sports and fitness groups

• Affordable spaces for holiday programmes, fundraisers, and community events

Photo/Undertow Media

“Let’s be honest, private management means restricted access, high hireage fees, and limited availability. That’s not the Auckland we want to live in,” he says.

Mike Lee, Waitematā and Gulf Ward councillor, says the public consultation process is already flawed, and claims Auckland Council sidelined community voices early on.

“It’s all very well and good that the Council is asking the public, but they should have asked the public before they evicted Speedway from Western Springs Stadium,” he says.

Auckland Council voted last year to evict the speedway and relocate the club south to Waikaraka Speedway.

A vibrant crowd fills the natural amphitheatre of Western Springs Speedway. Photo/thedirt.co.nz

Lee says this has removed "the most popular" candidate from the choices.

Rich lister Anna Mowbray and her husband, former All Black Ali Williams, are backing a privately funded venue focused on football.

It would replace the natural amphitheatre with a new 12,500-seat stadium, including new facilities for Auckland FC, community sports, and commercial amenities such as restaurants and gyms.

Mowbray, co-founder of ZURU and one of the private investors, told RNZ’s Morning Report they want to create a world-class facility that serves both professional sports and the wider community.

However, Tuifa’asisina has concerns the commercial option could limit access to large-scale community events.

“We’ve seen festivals like Laneway and Pasifika fill the park with joy. Will they happen in a private, locked facility?” Tuifa’asisina asks.

Lee says he is opposed to the privatisation of a public, open space.

“I firmly believe that soccer, rugby, concerts and speedway can all fit into Western Springs Stadium with a bit of intelligent planning and with goodwill.”

He says he strongly support the retention of Ponsonby Rugby at Western Springs.

"Essentially, it's the only place available that's suitable.”

Aerial view of Western Springs Stadium in Auckland. Photo/Auckland Stadiums

Council officials say the public now has a chance to help shape the venue’s long-term use.

Max Hardy, Auckland Council’s Director of Group Strategy, says Western Springs has a rich and layered history – from the time when eels were fished in the springs, to its use as a water reservoir, and later a stadium for speedway, sport, and iconic concerts.

TAU’s chief executive Nick Hill says the site has untapped potential.

“Western Springs Stadium is a special place with huge potential to evolve and meet the needs of our vibrant city and region."

Renowned architect Pete Bossley, who is supporting the Bowl proposal, says the natural contours of the stadium are irreplaceable.

Western Springs Stadium, the subject of Auckland Council’s public consultation on its future use. Photo/Auckland Council

“The amphitheatre is iconic and historic. To destroy that would be criminal.”

Ponsonby Rugby Club chair Greg Edmonds warns that once the stadium is privatised, the public is unlikely to get it back in this lifetime.

“We’re offering a balanced, public-private model that meets council goals and gives the public real value. We’re not in this to line our pockets – we’re doing this because community engagement is the fabric of a strong city. And this is our shot to keep that fabric intact.”

“It’s a common-sense solution. And it’s one that keeps this beautiful ground open to the people who love it,” Tuifa’asisina says.

Public feedback is open until 15 June 2025 on the Auckland Council 'Have Your Say' website. No final decisions will be made until the consultation period ends and all submissions have been reviewed.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.