Tātaki Auckland Unlimited retained as North Harbour Stadium operators in EOI decision

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 remain as managers 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.

Anna Atkinson, Chairperson of the Upper Harbour Local Board and member of the NHS Steering Group, says: “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.

“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 EOI process has been led by the NHS Steering Group made up of Upper Harbour Local Board Chairperson Atkinson and Deputy Chairperson Uzra Casuri Balouch, and Hibiscus and Bays Local Board Chairperson Alexis Poppelbaum and Deputy Chairperson Gary Brown, working together with TAU. It is Stage 1 of a project that seeks to determine the long-term future of NHS.

A thorough evaluation process was conducted by a panel consisting of representatives from the steering group, Auckland Council and TAU alongside independent panel members from the local area.

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.

Atkinson added: “There is now a real opportunity for a refocused operational model to deliver improved outcomes for the community at North Harbour Stadium, building on the positive collaboration brought about by the formation of the steering group and the EOI discussions.”

Nick Hill, Chief Executive, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, says: “This has been a collaborative process throughout, spearheaded by the steering group. Together with the local boards, TAU will pursue a refocused operational model at North Harbour Stadium.

“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 games alongside the fantastic Moana Pasifika season. We are excited to be in a position to maintain and nurture that momentum.”

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.

Alexis Poppelbaum says: “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.”

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.  

NOTES 

• The evaluation panel’s recommendation was received by the chairpersons and deputy chairpersons of the Upper Harbour and Hibiscus and Bays local boards (the North Harbour Stadium Steering Group). The recommendation was approved by the TAU Board as the owner of the stadium.
• Stage 2 of the NHS process will determine the long-term future use of the North Harbour Stadium and Domain Precinct, focusing on the most appropriate ownership, funding, governance, improvements, and operational management model.
• North Harbour Stadium is the home playing stadium of Super Rugby Pacific team Moana Pasifika, as well as Bunnings Warehouse NPC team North Harbour Rugby. It is the administrative and high-performance training base for three professional sports teams: 
• Moana Pasifika
• North Harbour Rugby
• Auckland FC (A-League football)
• The outer domains and artificial pitches are in constant use for a variety of community sport, including recently installed brand-new artificial pitches on Domains 4 & 5. 
• Upcoming events at North Harbour Stadium:
• 9 August - North Harbour Rugby vs Taranaki (Bunnings Warehouse NPC)
• 23 August - North Harbour Rugby vs Tasman (Bunnings Warehouse NPC)
• 29 August - North Harbour Rugby vs Bay of Plenty (Bunnings Warehouse NPC)
• 21 September - North Harbour Rugby vs Northland (Bunnings Warehouse NPC)
• 3 October - North Harbour Rugby vs Southland (Bunnings Warehouse NPC).
  
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