Outgoing Dunedin Venue Chief Executive defends move

Darren Burden, outgoing Chief Executive of Dunedin Venues Management Ltd (DVML), has defended his decision to leave his role just one year into a five-year contract.

At the end of November, Burden announced his decision to leave (DVML), managers of Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium, to become General Manager of Christchurch City Council's venue management company, Vbase.

Vbase is responsible for CBS Canterbury Arena, the Air Force Museum and AMI Stadium, and, if plans are confirmed, could eventually add a new roofed stadium, similar to Forsyth Barr Stadium, to its portfolio.

Burden's planned departure follows those of former DVML Chief Executive David Davies last year and Commercial Manager Guy Hedderwick earlier this year.

The departure has attracted considerable scrutiny in The Otago Daily Times, with Burden forced to defend his decision, insisting he "wouldn't be moving on" unless he had been offered such a compelling "long-term challenge."

The Otago Daily Times quoted Burden as adding "at the end of the day, I have to do what's best for me and what's best for my family. I can't control the timing of when these opportunities crop up.

"I'm not moving because of money. I'm moving because this is a role that really resonated with me."

Christchurch's most famous sports venue, AMI Stadium, has been closed since significant damage was inflicted by a devastating earthquake in February 2011, just months before the facility was due to host matches during the 2011 Rugby World Cup.

Commenting on financial pressures on DVML, Burden concluded that breaking even would remain "a really tough challenge" in the future despite improving financial performances.

The Stadium has been credited with delivering a significant return for Dunedin with estimates that October's Bledisloe Cup Test match between the New Zealand and Australia national rugby union teams generated $9 million (US$7.4 million) for the local economy.

20th November 2013 - DARREN BURDEN TO LEAVE DUNEDIN VENUES FOR CHRISTCHURCH VBASE ROLE