Auckland and regional authorities have clashed over whether to build a new waterfront stadium for the 2011 rugby world cup or to revamp Eden Park, the All Blacks’ traditional home.
The government had demanded that Auckland resolve the dispute this week or see the world cup go to Christchurch, the largest city on South Island.
Instead, the regional council yesterday voted in favour of upgrading Eden Park, only a day after city councillors backed the new showcase waterside stadium.
The waterfront project could boost the local economy, keeping the construction sector buoyant through to 2010.
References: Financial Times 25/11/06 page 8
