Tauranga Residents Say “No” To Expensive Stadium Project

59 per cent of those polled say they oppose the project which would force the relocation of a number of Tauranga sports clubs and the destruction of the all-weather athletics track. This is in stark contract to 24 per cent supporting the project and 17 per cent unsure of their view.

Tauranga Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Sam Hill says;

“This poll result shows that Tauranga residents and ratepayers aren’t convinced about the need for an expensive new stadium. There are a number of other expensive council projects already planned or under way and the burden of these costs is obviously going to fall heavily on ratepayers.

“Tauranga is growing at a much faster rate than the rest of the country and we need to focus on upgrading our infrastructure while considering the cost to ratepayers. Although many of us would love to have more events in Tauranga, we already have a number of sports grounds and event facilities that are not utilised efficiently. People travelling around Tauranga each day know there are currently far greater priorities for this city than a new stadium.“

Quite simply, this project should not go ahead without the approval of residents and ratepayers. Any project of this size should be taken directly to the public for consultation and potentially to vote on.”