September 16, 2025 • 22 mins
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 16th September 2025, the Government announced this week they are looking to change some of the rules around Eden Park and its ability to host more concerts and sporting events to boost the New Zealand economy.
D'Arcy spoke with former Prime Minister and long-time Mount Eden resident Helen Clark to hear her thoughts around why the rules should remain the same.
D'Arcy shares his thoughts on the All Blacks and how other rugby nations are catching up to their level.
And D'Arcy and TVNZ sports reporter Kate Wells talk about the Silver Ferns coaching situation and team naming, as well as George Beamish claiming gold in the 3000m steeplechase race at the World Athletic Championships.
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Speaker 1 (00:09):
You're listening to a podcast from News Talks EDB. Follow
this and our wide range of podcasts now on iHeartRadio.
This is Sportsfix Howard by News Talks EDB.
Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome on into the Sports Fix podcast. It is a Tuesday.
It is the sixteenth of September twenty twenty. Put my
name is at Darcy Walter Grave to Know. The next
fifteen to twenty minutes, I'm going to bring you all
the sport you need to know about of a day
proudly brought to you an association with JJ Gardner Holmes,
new Zealand's most trusted home building who have the got
(00:41):
fee on the program. Well, we're going to go to
Callam Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who is
steadfastly against expanding the parameters of Eden Park's ability to
host more events. How them will give us her ideas
on what works and what doesn't. I've got some opinion
around the All Blacks where everybody else is right. So
(01:04):
one not pile on and two and we'll be joined
in the chamber by forming New used to talk to
Z be sports journalist and now a sports newsreader on
TV and Z Kate Wells she'll join us. That's our plan.
That's what we're doing. So let's get a months. In
other news, here's your sport of great import today, Jordie
(01:24):
Bemis as runner's way into New Zealand Athletics. For folklore
is one gold medal in the three thousand meters steeple chase.
He did that over in Japan and he sealed his
place amongst the greats. Only three kii athletes have previously
struck World Athletic Championship goal, all by throwing things by Moina,
(01:45):
Walsh and Adams. This time it's about someone who can run.
He put on us spurts for one hundred and fifty
to go and trusted himself to get the job done
back straight over head one hundred and fifty ago. Yeah,
I've been in that position a few times over the years,
and yeah jack myself against you know in the world.
(02:06):
Former All Black stepper Rubin Thorn, Rubin Tholon Rubin tho
On has shared his thoughts around the beleaguered all back
skipper of current times. Scott Barrett. Rubbon knows a few
things about being the strong, silent and stolic captain, but
is it enough.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
He's obviously not a big talker or anything like that.
You know, he sort of leads by example and prefers
to chat quietly with his teammates and work with them
in a different way. There's nothing wrong with that, but
the public will expect him to find up at certain
times and deliver the answers they're looking.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
For and place save the silver Fern's coach event mcauson jury.
It's named a tiny Jameson Trophy squad with a four
headed leadership co op. So what does she want out
of Heppin and Jackson, Wicki and Burger and.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Keep to talk with thoth Aught to say how would
that work for the end of terms of support?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
That would give an unders from an opportunity to learn
about working with media.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
After that, chew and there's your sport of import for
today from a trio of very competitive individuals.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
News and Avidion, it's Sports VEX with Dancy Valdegrave.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
It's all. I'm welcome now to Helen Clark, a former
Prime Minister of New Zealand. He's also a resident of
Mount Eden and she's been very vocal in the space
around where to now for Eden Park. Helen, welcome to
the program. Eden Park. It's constantly in the news and
you believe that they're trying to put too much on
(03:36):
the grand old Lady of New Zealand sport and entertainment.
What's your big objection behind increasing the amount of time
and days that can be utilized by Eden Park.
Speaker 4 (03:49):
So the government statement yesterday was a bit of a mystery.
It claimed there were you know, all sorts of problems
stopping eden Park doing events, but eden Park has permission
now to do I understand up to twelve constants a year.
Doesn't do anything like that, so it's not using the
permissions that it does had to the full extent. The
(04:11):
other thing that strikes me looking at the statement is
the government seems to think that, you know, getting locals
to concerts at eden Park is somehow going to help
the New Zealand economy. All it does is take the
concerts from some other venue like Mount Smart or Western
Springs or wherever and put them at Eden Park, so
it distributes, you know, the impact differently within Auckland.
Speaker 5 (04:31):
The Kings and the mud Eden restaurants.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
Get to go rather than you know, whatever's around Western Springs,
et cetera. So the whole thing's a bit misguided. I
am all for a major events strategy which attracts US
Rugby World Cup, which I played a big part in
getting to New Zealand all those years ago when I
was PM, we hosted the women's Soccer Young Women's Soccer
(04:54):
not so long ago. I'm the patron of Emirates Team
New Zealand. I would love to have seen the last
Defense and the next Defense hosted, but the government wouldn't
fund that. So the whole thing seems a bit odd
to me to suddenly focus on, you know, constant Eden
Park when they've got permission to hold far more than
they do now.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
They say that you're not in a place to debate
or argument argue with anyone unless you can clearly state
their position. So I'll put that to you, Helen. What
do you think their position and their drive? Why are
they doing this.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
Well?
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Eden Park's trying to ensure it's survival at a time
when you see the Blues already. I think going to
have a couple of games that mount smart. I think
some of the other codes have said they'd prefer to
be somewhere else. Some have come out in favor of
a downtown waterfront stadium, let's face it. You know, the
big hotels and the beg entertainment areas are down in
(05:51):
the central city around the viaduct. You know, We've got
amazing potential down there. So I've always and this goes
back to my time as PM when we tried to
you know, in effect thunder Stadium on the waterfront for
Auckland and it was turned down by the council at
the time, which is in compreend I've always seen that
the future of a sort of entertainment, major event precinct
(06:15):
would be down in that waterfront area.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
The problem is that nobody wants to pay for it.
Helen and I get the feeling that this will go
on many many years after I've been buried nominy in
my mid fifty So I'd say that Eden Parker is
all that Auckland have got. It's all that looks like
they're going to have. So wouldn't you want to capitalize
on that space that's there already?
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Well as I say that, they don't use it to
the extent they could use it now. So park has
shamelessly self promotes itself all the time. But you know,
if you're looking at where the best venue is underut
of the it's downtown. As I say, my government was
prepared to fund one and we're turned down by the city.
I'm not sure that would be the case now. I
(06:57):
think if government went to Angbrael and said let's go
all in on a waterfront major stadium development, you get
a lot of private capital in behind it as well.
I don't think the government would be up for much
at all.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
So you know, we just.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
Need some bigger thinking really around the future of Auckland. Unfortunately,
Eden Park, you know, sort of long time facility as
it is, is in an area that's a bit out
in the suburbs. It's a lot of residence around about it.
You're never going to have open slather for events at
eden Park. But down in a more commercial area like
(07:34):
the water front door of Mount Smart for that matter,
you would have a lot more leeway.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Helen Clark joins us. The issue here, I suppose, Helen,
is that you can't really put major events anywhere else
in Auckland, can you, And that's where the focus point is.
And you suggest that if it carries on like this,
christ Church with Tokaha is going to end up taking
a lot of these major events. Do you think that'll
send counsel into action to do something more about this.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
Not really, not really, because the major audience is up
here in Auckland, and let's face people from from all
over the way Catama, Northland to the Auckland events. Look,
the way things are at the moment has not stopped
us getting Rugby World Cup. It's not stopped us getting
the FIFA a young women's event. You know. But if
(08:24):
you're really looking to the future, you would be looking
for vitalization of the downtown area, you know, helping the
major hotels down there a bit, the residential, the whole
restaurant area and so on. So at the Eden Park
things is a bit of a sideshow. Really, it's in
(08:44):
the wrong place fundamentally for what Auckland really needs.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's sports Vex with Dancy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Your wake's over the weekend playing fantastic rugby for forty minutes,
which plainly is not enough South Africa. I mean, you're
going to rest on your laurels of the first half,
hold my drink. And while the All Blacks did hold
the drinks, in fact, they didn't do a great deal
else as the South Africans, ran through them, ran around them,
(09:16):
kicked up over the top of them, basically humiliated them
in Wellington. This is devastating, of course for the All
Blacks Captain Scott Barrett, more so for coach Scott Robertson.
But let's not forget it wasn't too long ago where
the complaints were loud and fierce around All Black dominance
(09:38):
of world rugby. People had the gall to ring the
program up and suggest it was too easy and the
All Blacks a side can easily be any of the
best teams in the world, and we need more competition
and this simply is not enough. What's going on with
the rest of the world. And I remember getting on
air and going you know what, enjoy it for what
(09:59):
it is, because it is only a matter of time
before the rest of the world catch up, or indeed
before the All Blacks slow down let the rest of
the world catch up. Well, that time is now. It
started under the watchful eye of Ian Foster, and it
has continued under Scott Robertson and his band of merry men.
(10:21):
This is not unexpected, this is the nature of the
top level of world sport. The All Blacks have had
their time in the sun, and yet maybe the sun
will pass from behind the green and gold cloud that's
Australia and South Africa and we'll have our time in
the sun.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
Again.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Let's not forget that South Africa got absolutely toileted by
the All Blacks at North Harbor Stadium fifty seven nil.
What did they do? They went on to win the
World Cup and ultimately that's how Scott Robertson and his
men will be judged. So this is not the end
of the world. Sure it was a record thrashing. Yes
(11:02):
it was very uncomfortable viewing, but let's look at the
bigger picture. The only time a situation like this can
be called disastrous is if nobody learns, and we'll find
out as they try to defend that Eden Park record
again up against the Wallabies, who I suggest will be
rather nabored with what they saw in Wellington over the weekend.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
The Chamber is now in session on sportsfix Ertainment.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Doors swing open. Oh and look who's there? Kate Wells,
former News Talk ZB now of course read the sports
news for tvn Z'd love me to have you back
in the comfortable world of radio again. Kate.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
We miss you.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
I think I've got a face for Radio Darcy, so
this works.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Well No, no, that's a lie, But I'm not going
to go along that path. That'll just get me to culture.
Great to have you on board talk about some sporting
what essues over the last couple of days. Let me know,
you're an absolute keen netball player and you would have
sat around for the last week or so going what
on earth is going on with the silver Fins? Has
the dust settled somewhat? Now there's a team out and
(12:09):
now we're I don't know if we're comfortable, but now
we understand in which direction the ferns are going. Where
do you sit on this? Nay, you've had a week
to come chill over it.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
Yeah, it seems like it's been about a year within
the week. There's just been so much going on. Although
it has been a week, it's still not clear on
a lot of things. You know, we haven't heard from
Dame Nolean Todoa or the players themselves, which kind of
adds to the speculation. You know, there's still feel on
(12:38):
this fire, and I think for the player's sake, I
feel quite bad about that, because they just want to
get on with the naball but all of this stuff
is still circling round. The worst part that I've seen
is the speculation on social media from people you know, saying, oh,
this person complained and whatnot. Well, it actually doesn't matter
to those people online. Of course we all want to know,
(12:59):
but they're not telling us things, probably for a reason,
but we may find out at a later date. But yeah,
it's been crazy. I do think it's distracted at the moment.
They've got a three T series against South Africa coming
up starting on Sunday, who aren't a bad side at all.
We actually drew with them so in New Zealand, drew
with them at the Netball World Cup in twenty twenty three,
(13:21):
which was a bit of a surprise. So they have
some players playing in England and Australia and they'll be
your top side. So I mean, it would have been
great if this was a Drea straight away, but it hasn't,
so people just keep guessing. They're trying to find out
what happened.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
We talked of this all week.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
I'm always talking about filling a vacuum, and this is
what happens when you leave a gap. People like, okay,
let's make some stuff up and put it in there.
They think they could have been more transparent in Netbull,
New Zealand and what they're doing because they're hiding behind
this whole employment issue situation. I think they could have
given us a little more. I mean, they've got lawyers
saying no, but I don't know. It doesn't sit comfortable
(13:56):
with the fan base and the public and with the
people who watch the games by the tickets and so
on and so forth. Right, So more transparency in what
space do you think? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (14:05):
I totally agree, And I think the fact that this
CEO has gone on leave has he added to it
even more. I know they've had the board chair fronting,
but that's difficult. You know, this corporate jargon and what
no one knows what's going on, and like I said,
that just keeps the issue alive. And that's what's kind
of sparked the keyboard warriors and people creating rumors and
(14:28):
false narratives. And we don't know what's happening, so a
little bit of clarity probably would be appreciated, so we can,
you know, do our jobs and find out what's happening.
But they are playing their cards close to their chest.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Right, let's talk about what we do know. There is
a team out after Dave no Lean got stood down.
They've got a new coach temporarily of at mccaus and
during hit and come down the last shower. She's very
good at what she does, even though the slight hiatus
to do her do his schools. Fantastic mahi for her.
(14:59):
But she's named a team. We definitely know that you
look over that team, what screams at you, what stands out.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
So the mid court and the defense is pretty stop
stand silver ferns that we've seen the last few years,
which I think is a good thing given what's been
going on. Lots of outside noise. You know, it's business
as usual for them. The shooting end is where I'm
most intrigued because you've got no Amelia ran Echinacio, the
former scapper who's taking some time away from internationals. No
(15:27):
Maya Wilson, no Amelia Walmsley who's captaining the under twenty
ones at the World Cup. But what New Zealand does
have is Grace Wiki back in the team. So assuming
she'll play goal shoot, and there are a couple of
options at goal attack. Georgia Heffernan Fielder Villi and Martina Salmon.
The latter are uncapped, so whoever's going to play that
(15:50):
goal attack position is still not sure yet, but that
makes it exciting. I think it's good to be blooding
new players and giving them new opportunities, and they're going
to be in good company with Grace wiki In at
the back at goal shoot so I think it'll be
a pretty promising Silver Ferns team and they will come
out firing, no doubt, given what's been happening over the
(16:11):
past week.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Well yeah, because there may be some players involved there
part of the reason behind what happened, but we don't know.
We're just signing these ideas up up in the air.
So they want to move on with that, not that
no one knows who they are, but expectations around what
they achieve in Tiny Jamison in the current situation. What
are expectations of this team and of this coach. Do
we need to hold them to task? Are we going
(16:32):
to get too much from this or is it place
holding stuff?
Speaker 1 (16:36):
No.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
I spoke to Evit mccaul's and jury, the interim coach, yesterday,
and she's very certain that they want to win. They
want to have a clean sweet take the series three nail,
so there's no easing into this, and I mean they're
an international team. You don't go in there to give
it you be shot. If you did, you'd be going
to play social on a Wednesday and night or something.
So they're going in their focus. They look pretty sharp
(16:59):
on the training vision that they put through, so I'm
really looking forward to it. I think given what's happened,
they will have a lot more to play for, So
I'm really looking forward to seeing what they put out
on court, and.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
I'm looking forward to more of the story being revealed.
It we'll do in time, But now we're being distracted
by a game of neckle, which was what we should
do in sport. Kate Wales joins us in the chamber
from TV and Z from one News. A sports reader
there looking at some of the biggest sports stories of
the day, is we should have started with this. I'm sorry,
Jordy Beamish. What on earth was that a gold medal?
(17:34):
And the way he did it in the three thousand
meter steeple chase that was electric?
Speaker 5 (17:40):
Oh it was amazing. I woke up this morning quite
early to go to the gym was feeling tired, had
a little scroll on my phone and when I saw that,
it just completely mood boosted, Like that was amazing, And
that last little kick, I don't know what it is
when New Zealanders really have that kick with their running.
And he did the same in the fifteen hundred meter
(18:01):
World Indoor race a couple of years ago, which he won,
So he has just been on an absolute tier the
last few years. I believe he's based in the US
training there, so whatever he's doing, it's working, and it's
so refreshing to see an athlete that people maybe aren't
so familiar with if you're not involved in watching track
and field. He's such a great personality and awesome guy.
(18:23):
And I think it was pretty funny when he did
the money into the water thereafter he won, and especially
coming off that heat where he fell over, kicked in
the face, came back to win his heat somehow, and
he just did the same in the final. He was
so smart and sharpened those races. You know, it's a
minute thing can cost you the race, so it's so awesome.
(18:48):
It's an amazing achievement and another little boost in New
Zealand's middle distance running.
Speaker 2 (18:54):
History well in athletics full stop. And you look at
Sam Tana running around the place as well. I could
probably go on, but there's a real generation of athletes
coming through in that space which has got to make
you smile.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Oh absolutely. If you've seen Sam Ruth, the cat is
a free We've got. We've got amazing young runners coming
through and it's so cool to see and the fact
that they've got someone like Jeordy Beamish to look up to.
And I mean there's a lot of athletes to look
up to in New Zealand's running history, but yeah, so
great to see that they've got someone like him that
(19:31):
they can see and just hopefully replicate what he's done
and know that it's possible as well.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
And I would say more and more that young kids
be getting into athletics because there's nothing in the way
of dramas around concussion. It's not particularly confrontational and that
has got to be a good thing. So I remember
eight years ago talking to the CEO of athletics in
z and he said, look, and athletics we teach them
how to run and jump and throw, and at twelve
(20:00):
or thirteen, the other sports just come in and take them,
so maybe that has changed somewhat that narrative.
Speaker 5 (20:07):
Yeah. Absolutely, I think it's a great thing for kids
to get into as well athletics because there's so many
different events. You know, you can be strong and you
can have a throw, you could be you could be
maybe a smaller cat and be really good at the
longer distance running event. So there's something in it for everyone.
And I think this is just another boost to their
sport that might see other sports suffer. But it's something
(20:30):
we see quite often now at the moment, isn't it.
The likes of rugby and netball are suffering compared to others,
and you've got more basketball and athletics, so it's great
to see more variety.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
And on that Kate Wells, we will open the chamber door.
Thank you so much for joining us. Looking forward to
seeing you again reading the news on One Network News.
You are missed though you're welcome back anytime you want. Kate,
the door is always open.
Speaker 5 (20:55):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
Darcy. This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news,
cow and By News Talks EVY and.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
That's a Sports Flex podcast are wrapped down and dasted
for a day, that day being Tuesday, The sixteenth of
September twenty twenty five. I'm Darcy Waldgrave and if you'd
like to join us for more fun and games, just
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(21:25):
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(21:49):
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Catch we again tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
For more from News Talk SEDB. Listen live on air
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Speaker 2 (00:20):
Welcome on into the Sports Fix podcast. It is a Tuesday.
It is the sixteenth of September twenty twenty. Put my
name is at Darcy Walter Grave to Know. The next
fifteen to twenty minutes, I'm going to bring you all
the sport you need to know about of a day
proudly brought to you an association with JJ Gardner Holmes,
new Zealand's most trusted home building who have the got
(00:41):
fee on the program. Well, we're going to go to
Callam Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand, who is
steadfastly against expanding the parameters of Eden Park's ability to
host more events. How them will give us her ideas
on what works and what doesn't. I've got some opinion
around the All Blacks where everybody else is right. So
(01:04):
one not pile on and two and we'll be joined
in the chamber by forming New used to talk to
Z be sports journalist and now a sports newsreader on
TV and Z Kate Wells she'll join us. That's our plan.
That's what we're doing. So let's get a months. In
other news, here's your sport of great import today, Jordie
(01:24):
Bemis as runner's way into New Zealand Athletics. For folklore
is one gold medal in the three thousand meters steeple chase.
He did that over in Japan and he sealed his
place amongst the greats. Only three kii athletes have previously
struck World Athletic Championship goal, all by throwing things by Moina,
(01:45):
Walsh and Adams. This time it's about someone who can run.
He put on us spurts for one hundred and fifty
to go and trusted himself to get the job done
back straight over head one hundred and fifty ago. Yeah,
I've been in that position a few times over the years,
and yeah jack myself against you know in the world.
(02:06):
Former All Black stepper Rubin Thorn, Rubin Tholon Rubin tho
On has shared his thoughts around the beleaguered all back
skipper of current times. Scott Barrett. Rubbon knows a few
things about being the strong, silent and stolic captain, but
is it enough.
Speaker 3 (02:23):
He's obviously not a big talker or anything like that.
You know, he sort of leads by example and prefers
to chat quietly with his teammates and work with them
in a different way. There's nothing wrong with that, but
the public will expect him to find up at certain
times and deliver the answers they're looking.
Speaker 2 (02:35):
For and place save the silver Fern's coach event mcauson jury.
It's named a tiny Jameson Trophy squad with a four
headed leadership co op. So what does she want out
of Heppin and Jackson, Wicki and Burger and.
Speaker 4 (02:51):
Keep to talk with thoth Aught to say how would
that work for the end of terms of support?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
That would give an unders from an opportunity to learn
about working with media.
Speaker 2 (03:00):
After that, chew and there's your sport of import for
today from a trio of very competitive individuals.
Speaker 1 (03:08):
News and Avidion, it's Sports VEX with Dancy Valdegrave.
Speaker 2 (03:14):
It's all. I'm welcome now to Helen Clark, a former
Prime Minister of New Zealand. He's also a resident of
Mount Eden and she's been very vocal in the space
around where to now for Eden Park. Helen, welcome to
the program. Eden Park. It's constantly in the news and
you believe that they're trying to put too much on
(03:36):
the grand old Lady of New Zealand sport and entertainment.
What's your big objection behind increasing the amount of time
and days that can be utilized by Eden Park.
Speaker 4 (03:49):
So the government statement yesterday was a bit of a mystery.
It claimed there were you know, all sorts of problems
stopping eden Park doing events, but eden Park has permission
now to do I understand up to twelve constants a year.
Doesn't do anything like that, so it's not using the
permissions that it does had to the full extent. The
(04:11):
other thing that strikes me looking at the statement is
the government seems to think that, you know, getting locals
to concerts at eden Park is somehow going to help
the New Zealand economy. All it does is take the
concerts from some other venue like Mount Smart or Western
Springs or wherever and put them at Eden Park, so
it distributes, you know, the impact differently within Auckland.
Speaker 5 (04:31):
The Kings and the mud Eden restaurants.
Speaker 4 (04:33):
Get to go rather than you know, whatever's around Western Springs,
et cetera. So the whole thing's a bit misguided. I
am all for a major events strategy which attracts US
Rugby World Cup, which I played a big part in
getting to New Zealand all those years ago when I
was PM, we hosted the women's Soccer Young Women's Soccer
(04:54):
not so long ago. I'm the patron of Emirates Team
New Zealand. I would love to have seen the last
Defense and the next Defense hosted, but the government wouldn't
fund that. So the whole thing seems a bit odd
to me to suddenly focus on, you know, constant Eden
Park when they've got permission to hold far more than
they do now.
Speaker 2 (05:13):
They say that you're not in a place to debate
or argument argue with anyone unless you can clearly state
their position. So I'll put that to you, Helen. What
do you think their position and their drive? Why are
they doing this.
Speaker 3 (05:26):
Well?
Speaker 4 (05:27):
Eden Park's trying to ensure it's survival at a time
when you see the Blues already. I think going to
have a couple of games that mount smart. I think
some of the other codes have said they'd prefer to
be somewhere else. Some have come out in favor of
a downtown waterfront stadium, let's face it. You know, the
big hotels and the beg entertainment areas are down in
(05:51):
the central city around the viaduct. You know, We've got
amazing potential down there. So I've always and this goes
back to my time as PM when we tried to
you know, in effect thunder Stadium on the waterfront for
Auckland and it was turned down by the council at
the time, which is in compreend I've always seen that
the future of a sort of entertainment, major event precinct
(06:15):
would be down in that waterfront area.
Speaker 2 (06:18):
The problem is that nobody wants to pay for it.
Helen and I get the feeling that this will go
on many many years after I've been buried nominy in
my mid fifty So I'd say that Eden Parker is
all that Auckland have got. It's all that looks like
they're going to have. So wouldn't you want to capitalize
on that space that's there already?
Speaker 4 (06:36):
Well as I say that, they don't use it to
the extent they could use it now. So park has
shamelessly self promotes itself all the time. But you know,
if you're looking at where the best venue is underut
of the it's downtown. As I say, my government was
prepared to fund one and we're turned down by the city.
I'm not sure that would be the case now. I
(06:57):
think if government went to Angbrael and said let's go
all in on a waterfront major stadium development, you get
a lot of private capital in behind it as well.
I don't think the government would be up for much
at all.
Speaker 2 (07:12):
So you know, we just.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
Need some bigger thinking really around the future of Auckland. Unfortunately,
Eden Park, you know, sort of long time facility as
it is, is in an area that's a bit out
in the suburbs. It's a lot of residence around about it.
You're never going to have open slather for events at
eden Park. But down in a more commercial area like
(07:34):
the water front door of Mount Smart for that matter,
you would have a lot more leeway.
Speaker 2 (07:39):
Helen Clark joins us. The issue here, I suppose, Helen,
is that you can't really put major events anywhere else
in Auckland, can you, And that's where the focus point is.
And you suggest that if it carries on like this,
christ Church with Tokaha is going to end up taking
a lot of these major events. Do you think that'll
send counsel into action to do something more about this.
Speaker 4 (08:02):
Not really, not really, because the major audience is up
here in Auckland, and let's face people from from all
over the way Catama, Northland to the Auckland events. Look,
the way things are at the moment has not stopped
us getting Rugby World Cup. It's not stopped us getting
the FIFA a young women's event. You know. But if
(08:24):
you're really looking to the future, you would be looking
for vitalization of the downtown area, you know, helping the
major hotels down there a bit, the residential, the whole
restaurant area and so on. So at the Eden Park
things is a bit of a sideshow. Really, it's in
(08:44):
the wrong place fundamentally for what Auckland really needs.
Speaker 1 (08:50):
Dissecting the sporting agenda, it's sports Vex with Dancy Waldgrave.
Speaker 2 (08:55):
Your wake's over the weekend playing fantastic rugby for forty minutes,
which plainly is not enough South Africa. I mean, you're
going to rest on your laurels of the first half,
hold my drink. And while the All Blacks did hold
the drinks, in fact, they didn't do a great deal
else as the South Africans, ran through them, ran around them,
(09:16):
kicked up over the top of them, basically humiliated them
in Wellington. This is devastating, of course for the All
Blacks Captain Scott Barrett, more so for coach Scott Robertson.
But let's not forget it wasn't too long ago where
the complaints were loud and fierce around All Black dominance
(09:38):
of world rugby. People had the gall to ring the
program up and suggest it was too easy and the
All Blacks a side can easily be any of the
best teams in the world, and we need more competition
and this simply is not enough. What's going on with
the rest of the world. And I remember getting on
air and going you know what, enjoy it for what
(09:59):
it is, because it is only a matter of time
before the rest of the world catch up, or indeed
before the All Blacks slow down let the rest of
the world catch up. Well, that time is now. It
started under the watchful eye of Ian Foster, and it
has continued under Scott Robertson and his band of merry men.
(10:21):
This is not unexpected, this is the nature of the
top level of world sport. The All Blacks have had
their time in the sun, and yet maybe the sun
will pass from behind the green and gold cloud that's
Australia and South Africa and we'll have our time in
the sun.
Speaker 5 (10:39):
Again.
Speaker 2 (10:39):
Let's not forget that South Africa got absolutely toileted by
the All Blacks at North Harbor Stadium fifty seven nil.
What did they do? They went on to win the
World Cup and ultimately that's how Scott Robertson and his
men will be judged. So this is not the end
of the world. Sure it was a record thrashing. Yes
(11:02):
it was very uncomfortable viewing, but let's look at the
bigger picture. The only time a situation like this can
be called disastrous is if nobody learns, and we'll find
out as they try to defend that Eden Park record
again up against the Wallabies, who I suggest will be
rather nabored with what they saw in Wellington over the weekend.
Speaker 1 (11:26):
The Chamber is now in session on sportsfix Ertainment.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
Doors swing open. Oh and look who's there? Kate Wells,
former News Talk ZB now of course read the sports
news for tvn Z'd love me to have you back
in the comfortable world of radio again. Kate.
Speaker 3 (11:43):
We miss you.
Speaker 5 (11:44):
I think I've got a face for Radio Darcy, so
this works.
Speaker 2 (11:46):
Well No, no, that's a lie, But I'm not going
to go along that path. That'll just get me to culture.
Great to have you on board talk about some sporting
what essues over the last couple of days. Let me know,
you're an absolute keen netball player and you would have
sat around for the last week or so going what
on earth is going on with the silver Fins? Has
the dust settled somewhat? Now there's a team out and
(12:09):
now we're I don't know if we're comfortable, but now
we understand in which direction the ferns are going. Where
do you sit on this? Nay, you've had a week
to come chill over it.
Speaker 5 (12:18):
Yeah, it seems like it's been about a year within
the week. There's just been so much going on. Although
it has been a week, it's still not clear on
a lot of things. You know, we haven't heard from
Dame Nolean Todoa or the players themselves, which kind of
adds to the speculation. You know, there's still feel on
(12:38):
this fire, and I think for the player's sake, I
feel quite bad about that, because they just want to
get on with the naball but all of this stuff
is still circling round. The worst part that I've seen
is the speculation on social media from people you know, saying, oh,
this person complained and whatnot. Well, it actually doesn't matter
to those people online. Of course we all want to know,
(12:59):
but they're not telling us things, probably for a reason,
but we may find out at a later date. But yeah,
it's been crazy. I do think it's distracted at the moment.
They've got a three T series against South Africa coming
up starting on Sunday, who aren't a bad side at all.
We actually drew with them so in New Zealand, drew
with them at the Netball World Cup in twenty twenty three,
(13:21):
which was a bit of a surprise. So they have
some players playing in England and Australia and they'll be
your top side. So I mean, it would have been
great if this was a Drea straight away, but it hasn't,
so people just keep guessing. They're trying to find out
what happened.
Speaker 3 (13:35):
We talked of this all week.
Speaker 2 (13:36):
I'm always talking about filling a vacuum, and this is
what happens when you leave a gap. People like, okay,
let's make some stuff up and put it in there.
They think they could have been more transparent in Netbull,
New Zealand and what they're doing because they're hiding behind
this whole employment issue situation. I think they could have
given us a little more. I mean, they've got lawyers
saying no, but I don't know. It doesn't sit comfortable
(13:56):
with the fan base and the public and with the
people who watch the games by the tickets and so
on and so forth. Right, So more transparency in what
space do you think? Yeah?
Speaker 5 (14:05):
I totally agree, And I think the fact that this
CEO has gone on leave has he added to it
even more. I know they've had the board chair fronting,
but that's difficult. You know, this corporate jargon and what
no one knows what's going on, and like I said,
that just keeps the issue alive. And that's what's kind
of sparked the keyboard warriors and people creating rumors and
(14:28):
false narratives. And we don't know what's happening, so a
little bit of clarity probably would be appreciated, so we can,
you know, do our jobs and find out what's happening.
But they are playing their cards close to their chest.
Speaker 2 (14:39):
Right, let's talk about what we do know. There is
a team out after Dave no Lean got stood down.
They've got a new coach temporarily of at mccaus and
during hit and come down the last shower. She's very
good at what she does, even though the slight hiatus
to do her do his schools. Fantastic mahi for her.
(14:59):
But she's named a team. We definitely know that you
look over that team, what screams at you, what stands out.
Speaker 5 (15:05):
So the mid court and the defense is pretty stop
stand silver ferns that we've seen the last few years,
which I think is a good thing given what's been
going on. Lots of outside noise. You know, it's business
as usual for them. The shooting end is where I'm
most intrigued because you've got no Amelia ran Echinacio, the
former scapper who's taking some time away from internationals. No
(15:27):
Maya Wilson, no Amelia Walmsley who's captaining the under twenty
ones at the World Cup. But what New Zealand does
have is Grace Wiki back in the team. So assuming
she'll play goal shoot, and there are a couple of
options at goal attack. Georgia Heffernan Fielder Villi and Martina Salmon.
The latter are uncapped, so whoever's going to play that
(15:50):
goal attack position is still not sure yet, but that
makes it exciting. I think it's good to be blooding
new players and giving them new opportunities, and they're going
to be in good company with Grace wiki In at
the back at goal shoot so I think it'll be
a pretty promising Silver Ferns team and they will come
out firing, no doubt, given what's been happening over the
(16:11):
past week.
Speaker 2 (16:11):
Well yeah, because there may be some players involved there
part of the reason behind what happened, but we don't know.
We're just signing these ideas up up in the air.
So they want to move on with that, not that
no one knows who they are, but expectations around what
they achieve in Tiny Jamison in the current situation. What
are expectations of this team and of this coach. Do
we need to hold them to task? Are we going
(16:32):
to get too much from this or is it place
holding stuff?
Speaker 1 (16:36):
No.
Speaker 5 (16:36):
I spoke to Evit mccaul's and jury, the interim coach, yesterday,
and she's very certain that they want to win. They
want to have a clean sweet take the series three nail,
so there's no easing into this, and I mean they're
an international team. You don't go in there to give
it you be shot. If you did, you'd be going
to play social on a Wednesday and night or something.
So they're going in their focus. They look pretty sharp
(16:59):
on the training vision that they put through, so I'm
really looking forward to it. I think given what's happened,
they will have a lot more to play for, So
I'm really looking forward to seeing what they put out
on court, and.
Speaker 2 (17:10):
I'm looking forward to more of the story being revealed.
It we'll do in time, But now we're being distracted
by a game of neckle, which was what we should
do in sport. Kate Wales joins us in the chamber
from TV and Z from one News. A sports reader
there looking at some of the biggest sports stories of
the day, is we should have started with this. I'm sorry,
Jordy Beamish. What on earth was that a gold medal?
(17:34):
And the way he did it in the three thousand
meter steeple chase that was electric?
Speaker 5 (17:40):
Oh it was amazing. I woke up this morning quite
early to go to the gym was feeling tired, had
a little scroll on my phone and when I saw that,
it just completely mood boosted, Like that was amazing, And
that last little kick, I don't know what it is
when New Zealanders really have that kick with their running.
And he did the same in the fifteen hundred meter
(18:01):
World Indoor race a couple of years ago, which he won,
So he has just been on an absolute tier the
last few years. I believe he's based in the US
training there, so whatever he's doing, it's working, and it's
so refreshing to see an athlete that people maybe aren't
so familiar with if you're not involved in watching track
and field. He's such a great personality and awesome guy.
(18:23):
And I think it was pretty funny when he did
the money into the water thereafter he won, and especially
coming off that heat where he fell over, kicked in
the face, came back to win his heat somehow, and
he just did the same in the final. He was
so smart and sharpened those races. You know, it's a
minute thing can cost you the race, so it's so awesome.
(18:48):
It's an amazing achievement and another little boost in New
Zealand's middle distance running.
Speaker 2 (18:54):
History well in athletics full stop. And you look at
Sam Tana running around the place as well. I could
probably go on, but there's a real generation of athletes
coming through in that space which has got to make
you smile.
Speaker 5 (19:08):
Oh absolutely. If you've seen Sam Ruth, the cat is
a free We've got. We've got amazing young runners coming
through and it's so cool to see and the fact
that they've got someone like Jeordy Beamish to look up to.
And I mean there's a lot of athletes to look
up to in New Zealand's running history, but yeah, so
great to see that they've got someone like him that
(19:31):
they can see and just hopefully replicate what he's done
and know that it's possible as well.
Speaker 2 (19:37):
And I would say more and more that young kids
be getting into athletics because there's nothing in the way
of dramas around concussion. It's not particularly confrontational and that
has got to be a good thing. So I remember
eight years ago talking to the CEO of athletics in
z and he said, look, and athletics we teach them
how to run and jump and throw, and at twelve
(20:00):
or thirteen, the other sports just come in and take them,
so maybe that has changed somewhat that narrative.
Speaker 5 (20:07):
Yeah. Absolutely, I think it's a great thing for kids
to get into as well athletics because there's so many
different events. You know, you can be strong and you
can have a throw, you could be you could be
maybe a smaller cat and be really good at the
longer distance running event. So there's something in it for everyone.
And I think this is just another boost to their
sport that might see other sports suffer. But it's something
(20:30):
we see quite often now at the moment, isn't it.
The likes of rugby and netball are suffering compared to others,
and you've got more basketball and athletics, so it's great
to see more variety.
Speaker 2 (20:41):
And on that Kate Wells, we will open the chamber door.
Thank you so much for joining us. Looking forward to
seeing you again reading the news on One Network News.
You are missed though you're welcome back anytime you want. Kate,
the door is always open.
Speaker 5 (20:55):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (20:56):
Darcy. This is Sportsfix, your daily dose of sports news,
cow and By News Talks EVY and.
Speaker 2 (21:04):
That's a Sports Flex podcast are wrapped down and dasted
for a day, that day being Tuesday, The sixteenth of
September twenty twenty five. I'm Darcy Waldgrave and if you'd
like to join us for more fun and games, just
subscribe to the Sports Fix podcast. You do that, let's
lend up and your m box on a week daily basis,
(21:25):
and of course if you'd like to join on and
with sport Talk that you can react to and with,
we will join us on sports Talk between seven and
eight pm Monday to Friday on News Talk z B,
Jason Pine's got the Job on a Monday, on Tuesday
through Friday, and then of course Sunday and Saturday, it's
weekend Sport Jason Pine from twelve midday through and to
(21:49):
three o'clock again. Our thanks to GJ. Gardner Homes for
climbing on board. They are New Zealand's most trusted home
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us too here on the Sports Flex look after yourself.
Catch we again tomorrow.
Speaker 1 (22:04):
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