Eden Park News: Perspectives

Last weekend was one of the busiest we have had at Eden Park for some time, but what made it especially significant was not just the number of events; it was the diversity of those events. Across four days, we hosted five events: This was not four days of the same sport or of the…

Today I joined a panel discussion at the launch of the 2026 Acumen Edelman Trust Barometer, which reinforced something I strongly believe: trust does not just happen. It must be built deliberately. One of the discussion points today was the finding that three-quarters of New Zealanders are hesitant to trust people with different values, beliefs…

Recent major event announcements, including Robbie Williams, Guns N’ Roses and State of Origin, are significant in their own right. They will bring fans together, create memorable moments and generate real excitement. But they also point to something much bigger. They remind us that major events are not simply dates on a calendar. They are…

Most people see the event. The reality is a 24/7 exercise in asset management, reinvestment and resilience. When people visit Eden Park, they typically see only the visible part of the stadium. They arrive, take their seat, enjoy the atmosphere and leave having been part of something memorable. What they do not see is the…

For more than 125 years, Eden Park has been known by exactly that name. With one small exception. For seven days in 2020, the venue became Coopers Catch Park – a community-led initiative supporting a local business during a challenging period. Eden Park belongs to New Zealand. Protecting that identity is a strategic decision. In…

In a world that often feels divided, shared experiences matter more than ever. Over the weekend, more than 1,100 performers from 13 countries marched, danced and performed on our turf, reminding us that sport, culture and entertainment have the power to connect people across borders and generations. For me, events like The Royal Edinburgh Military…

Unsurprisingly, this week’s article focuses on the changes to Eden Park’s local planning rules and the Government’s announcement that State of Origin will be played at Eden Park in 2027. And equally unsurprising was the view held by some people that meaningful change to Eden Park’s operating settings would never occur – that the system…

Over the years, I’ve seen first-hand how cities grow as a live events destination, and how much of that comes down to how well they use the venue infrastructure they already have. The strategy rarely comes down to the size of a stadium, instead it often comes down to how intentional the decisions are about…

This week I want to focus on grass. Grass, especially 13,000m2 of grass, is one of those things in a stadium that everyone tends to notice. The colour. The cut. The smell. The hallowed turf. But what most people don’t see is how much work and technology sits beneath the surface. Not just in growing…

While our focus is already on the year ahead, the release of Eden Park’s FY2025 financial results today, which delivered a strong $4.9m operating profit, provides an opportunity to reflect on a broader issue. Achieving long-term sustainability is one of the greatest challenges facing stadiums globally, and it’s worth exploring why. In my experience, stadium…

I often compare stadiums to other major pieces of infrastructure. We expect our roads, airports, and public spaces to be used because that’s how they deliver value. Stadiums are no different. When they’re fully utilised, they bring people together and drive tangible economic and social benefits. When a stadium sits idle, the opportunity cost isn’t…

In February, Eden Park will host one of the world’s most respected live performances, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. But bringing it to Auckland is about more than securing a globally renowned event. It demonstrates how stadiums, when strategically led, can deliver social, cultural and economic benefits and actively contribute to a city’s international profile.…