Eden Park makes history by gaining rights to stage concerts

Auckland's Eden Park has today gained resource consent granting it the right to host up to six concerts a year.

Having long sought to stage concert events, up to six shows annually as a discretionary activity under Auckland Council’s Unitary Plan, the venue received extensive support for its application to host concerts when submissions were open to the public in March 2020.

94% of submissions to Auckland Council were in favour of the proposal, backed by a subsequent hearing was held in November in front of three independent commissioners.

Extending thanks to the community including neighbours, local businesses, sporting organisations and the entertainment industry for ensuring their voices were heard in the process, Eden Park Chief Executive, Nick Sautner today advised “we’ve been inundated with messages of congratulations this afternoon from a range of society.

“Our community came together to make this decision possible and we couldn’t have done it without each of these individuals. We are thrilled to have an overwhelming level of support to deliver more experiences for New Zealanders, which further showcases the ongoing positive relationship Eden Park has with its neighbours.

“I am extremely proud of our staff and supporters who have worked tirelessly to achieve today’s historic result.”

The decision to grant approval means that Eden Park does not have to apply for a separate resource consent for each individual concert - a requirement that had proved to be both cost prohibitive and time consuming.

It allows shows to be booked, scheduled and confirmed years in advance.

The independent commissioners’ report released today states that granting consent to the application would promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.

It stated “that is, it would allow the use of an existing physical resource (Eden Park) in a way that would enable people and communities to provide for their social, economic, and cultural well-being while sustaining the potential for that resource to meet the reasonably foreseeable needs of future generations, safeguard natural resources and avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the environment.”

Sautner added “these events will provide employment opportunities and economic benefits for Auckland and the entire economy, as well as much-needed entertainment experiences for Kiwis.

“We have artists ready to announce shows at Eden Park however we are required to wait the appeal window is closed to share details.”

Sautner went on to advise Australasian Leisure Management “(we’ve) already received enquiries from local and international promoters.

“2020 was a challenging year for everyone but if anything, the year confirmed that live sport, music and entertainment plays a pivotal role in shaping communities. Events at Eden Park have the power to rebuild both business confidence and social wellbeing as we work to restore the global economy over the coming years. “

An appeal window against the resource consent closes in 15 working days.

Lower image: Eden Park's Nick Sautner.