Eden Park is delighted to confirm that the Sir Michael Jones statue will remain at New Zealand’s national stadium, made possible by a contribution from Coca-Cola in New Zealand through its partnership with Eden Park.
The statue holds a special place in the history of Eden Park and rugby in New Zealand. Created by Natalie Stamilla and based on the famous NZ Herald photograph taken by Geoff Dale, it was commissioned to commemorate Sir Michael Jones scoring the first try of the inaugural 1987 Rugby World Cup in his first game for the All Blacks.
The statue is a significant landmark at Eden Park and a tribute to one of the most memorable moments in New Zealand sporting history.
Sir Michael Jones said “Eden Park holds a special place in my heart, and I feel very honoured that this statue will remain where it truly belongs. I am very grateful for the efforts of the Eden Park Trust and Coca-Cola in New Zealand to achieve this amazing outcome. That moment was never just about one player. It was about the team, the occasion, and a very special chapter in New Zealand rugby history. To know this statue will continue to stand at Eden Park, where that memory was made, means a great deal and I hope it continues to remind everyone of what sport can mean to a nation.”
Eden Park Chief Executive Nick Sautner said the purchase ensures an important part of the stadium’s history remains where it belongs.
“We are delighted that the Sir Michael Jones statue will remain at Eden Park so that New Zealanders and visitors can continue to enjoy it in the place where that moment became part of our national story. This statue represents a defining sporting moment, but it also represents something bigger – the history of our national stadium, the legacy of an extraordinary New Zealander, and the memories that make Eden Park such a special place for so many people.
We are also very grateful to Coca-Cola in New Zealand for making this possible. The contribution provided by Coca-Cola in New Zealand to enable the purchase of this statue reflects the strength of our partnership and a shared commitment to ensuring Eden Park continues to be a destination that holds a unique place in New Zealand’s sporting and cultural history.”
Wendy Rayner, Managing Director of Coca-Cola Europacific Partners New Zealand, said: “As a local business with a long history in Aotearoa, we’re proud to help keep the Sir Michael Jones statue at its landmark home within Eden Park. The statue represents a special moment in New Zealand sporting history, and we’re pleased to play a part in ensuring it remains where that history was made.” “With more than 1,000 passionate Kiwis in our team across the country, we’re committed to backing the communities where we live, work and play. We value opportunities like this where our partnership with Eden Park can help preserve something meaningful for New Zealanders,”.
The Sir Michael Jones statue stands as a lasting tribute to one of New Zealand rugby’s greatest figures and one of Eden Park’s most iconic moments. Its continued presence at the stadium ensures that an important part of the venue’s story remains in place for future generations.
