April 17, 2026 • 10 mins
Auckland Cricket is officially on the move.
The organisation is set to depart its long-time home at Eden Park and set up shop at Colin Maiden Park in Glen Innes.
It follows the signing of an agreement by Auckland Council, the Crown, Eden Park, Auckland Cricket, and Auckland Rugby that outlines a pathway for modern, permanent, for-purpose facilities for cricket and rugby.
Auckland Cricket Chair Brendon Gibson told Piney that while there are people with differing views, the general concensus is the move is in the organisation’s best interests.
“We’re happy with where we’ve ended up.”
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Speaker 1 (00:06):
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from newstalksed B.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby are preparing to leave their
traditional home at Eden Park, signaling one of the biggest
shifts in the city sporting landscape in quite some time.
This follows the signing of a foundation agreement by Auckland Council,
the Crown, Eden Park, Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby that
outlines a pathway for modern, permanent, fit for purpose facilities
(00:36):
for cricket and rugby in Auckland. Under this agreement, Auckland
Cricket will be based at Colin Mayden Park, which will
receive ten million dollars of local and central government funding
put towards its upgrade and development. Brendan Gibson is chair
of Auckland Cricket and he joins us now. Brenda, thanks
for taking the time this afternoon. How long have you
(00:58):
been working on a move to a new home?
Speaker 3 (01:01):
Asteron, Jason, It's been a week, while it's probably been
three or four years in what since I've been involved,
just in terms of where we were at with Eden
Park facilities, Eden Park wanting to go in another direction,
(01:22):
and so we went through a process initially with Counsel
and Rugby, and then I suppose in the last six
months it's gained a bit of momentum as we were
able to engage the Crown, particularly to look at what
they wanted to do with Eden Park when they are
also a signer of the trusteed with Eden Park, which went.
(01:47):
So that became the catalyst where identified Colin Maiden Park
well before then as the likely venue. It all came
down to our exit and the funding of the development.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Were the other realistic options apart from Colin Maiden Park.
I know Western Springs for example, was in the conversation
at one point.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Yes it was, and that's probably going back sort of
three years now. We ran a process with Council at
the stage because obviously most green spaces around Auckland a
relate council related, whether it's local board or the central Council.
So we went through a process within and yes Western
(02:29):
Springs and Column Maiden we're looked at in more detail.
And then at the time Colin Maiden was chosen and
I presume everyone's followed what's happened to Western Springs since
so that really the the option came down to column maiden,
which which we see we can make work.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Is this a good outcome for Auckland cricket moving away
from Eden Park?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Oh? Look, I think, as I said before, we've got
a long steet history there, but we have to recognize
it's time probably for us to try and work with
the various parties to see if there is an alternative venue.
So that I think it is a good move. Where's
the board think it's a good move. I think we've
(03:16):
been through a process with the Uckan cricket community. I
think most people would support it. Obviously there are always
in a situation like there is, there would be there
are people that have different views. But I think we've
got a general consensus that this is in the best
interest of Auckland cricket and so we're happy with where
we've ended up with the sign of that foundation agreement.
(03:39):
Dawson went to go, Jason, you know, as you know,
we've got it still negotiated the final exit of eden Park,
but we've got a good foundation to move forward with.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Would it be fair to say that those who opposed
the move, as you say, there were different views. Was
that mainly an emotional argument, the fact that Eden Park
and cricket have been inextricably linked for so long.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Look, there certainly certainly an amount of that, but also
location of the upfront location became an issue, Jason. You know,
Awkins a very big city. There's no doubt this is
in the east of the city and so that was
also part of the consideration that we took into account.
But I think history we won't. We won't lose their history.
(04:28):
I think hopefully. Well. Part of the arrangements is that
white ball, short form crickets, international crickets still we played
at Eden Park and you know, if you're going to
have any international World tournaments, that will have to be
paid there cricket cricket wise and personally, and Auckland Cricket's
got a view hopefully a larger form of major nation
(04:51):
Test match cricket might return to Auckland Eton Park as well.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
All right, so that's not off the table. White ball
cricket definitely on the table at Eden Park, and you
can see a time where Test cricket might be played again. Well,
I don't want to sort of mix conversations here. I
want to talk about Colin Maiden Park in a minute.
But this isn't the end of test cricket in Auckland.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Oh definitely not, definitely not. I mean, obviously you'll be
well and we're Jason been around for a long time.
All of the six m as compete for content that's
coming into the country, whether it be whiteboad or Test
match cricket. For a range of reasons, Eden Park hasn't
been on that seriously on that landscape. I think we're
(05:34):
all of knowledge, but we're hopeful that we will bring
that back with this arrangement we've got with the move
to Colin Maiden and their residual arrangements will end up
at Eden Park.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
With so ten million dollars of public funding are both
a local and central government funding going into upgrading Colin
Maiden Park. What will that be spent on?
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Look, we'll the oval out there and work at block
gets totally redone. The changing rooms and they have been
out there, Jos, the University rugby and cricket club changing
rooms have been there for probably fifty years. And need
a good need a good uh And it's bit more
than to do up I mean with the Superman, the
(06:19):
council and local board have been great here. They recognize
that those those facilities will be upgraded and they will
be community cricket facilities as well, and cricket's not using
them in the winter, they will be used. So there's
there's those facilities. These also we will also need to
move aw from University Cricket because they are currently got
(06:42):
a lease on that building. So the whole high performance
will be a game changer. The facilities out there will
be uh you know, for purpose and we would say
hopefully one of the best in New Zealand to play
domestic cricket and and potentially some white ball or Test
match cricket at a lower end and potentially involving Norman.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Well call them out and paright be ready to host
domestic T twenty cricket next summer. We don't know what
form that will take yet, of course that's a different conversation.
But will Colin maiden part be ready next summer that's.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
The aim, you know, that's the target. And hopefully we
will be finalizing arrangements with a pointing a contractor and
work will start later this month. So look, there's a
timetable that says it does. Jason, we're working very hard
with everyone involved to make that happen. But yeah, so
(07:40):
I'm optimistic of that. But yeah, that's the aim. That
is clearly the aim.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Great to hear, are there grounds around the country Brenan
that you've looked at and thought, hey, that's quite like
what they're doing. They're using it as a case study
perhaps what for what colin matter might be. Like I'm
thinking maybe Hagley Oval or Bayoval.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Yeah, and that's probably the two that spread to mind. Obviously,
Hagley's a step up from bay Oval just in terms
of grandstands and and eminent facilities, shall we call it,
But we're probably more towards the bay Oval end. You know,
we would have loved to have done done a Heagley,
but the cost of that at the time just doesn't
(08:20):
then justified, I suppose, particularly when we've got even park
sitting there. So we've we've used day Oval as a
something that we've looked at and we can't quite replicate.
Every ground's got its own issues and challenges, but we're
trying to create embankments, player facilities that are fit for
(08:42):
purpose and modern and high performance facilities that are the same.
So whatever a crowdo which is an indoor grass wicket.
It is basically needed these days to get players to
perform at a level that needed.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
So I'm the hearing here as you're looking at the
balance between high performance and a fan friendly venue that
the people can come in and enjoy watching the game.
Is that a fair assessment?
Speaker 3 (09:08):
Yes? Yes, And you know, we've got to be realistic
about Jason. They don't tune up and watch Plunket Shield
and Ford Trophy like they did twenty five years ago,
but we still want to create an environment where people
will come and do that. But also for T twenty
or any international cricket, they can come and really enjoy
the experience.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Outstanding, looking forward to that. So just to finish then
you are just negotiating your exit from Eden Park. Work
will start on Colin Maiden Park and hopefully we can
all we can all that out there and watch some
watch some domestic cricket next summer and hopefully some some
international cricket down the down the track. Is that the plan?
Speaker 3 (09:44):
You couldn't have stunded it up there to Jason.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Thank you love it, Brandon, great to get you on
the show this afternoon. Look forward to staying in touch.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Hei Gay, thanks Jason, good at all.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
No good to talk to you too, Brandon, thanks indeed.
Brandon Gibson their chair of Auckland Cricket. So off to
Colin Maiden Park they go.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news talks'd be weekends from midday or for of
the podcast on iHeartRadio
You're listening to the Weekend Sport podcast with Jason Vine
from newstalksed B.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby are preparing to leave their
traditional home at Eden Park, signaling one of the biggest
shifts in the city sporting landscape in quite some time.
This follows the signing of a foundation agreement by Auckland Council,
the Crown, Eden Park, Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby that
outlines a pathway for modern, permanent, fit for purpose facilities
(00:36):
for cricket and rugby in Auckland. Under this agreement, Auckland
Cricket will be based at Colin Mayden Park, which will
receive ten million dollars of local and central government funding
put towards its upgrade and development. Brendan Gibson is chair
of Auckland Cricket and he joins us now. Brenda, thanks
for taking the time this afternoon. How long have you
(00:58):
been working on a move to a new home?
Speaker 3 (01:01):
Asteron, Jason, It's been a week, while it's probably been
three or four years in what since I've been involved,
just in terms of where we were at with Eden
Park facilities, Eden Park wanting to go in another direction,
(01:22):
and so we went through a process initially with Counsel
and Rugby, and then I suppose in the last six
months it's gained a bit of momentum as we were
able to engage the Crown, particularly to look at what
they wanted to do with Eden Park when they are
also a signer of the trusteed with Eden Park, which went.
(01:47):
So that became the catalyst where identified Colin Maiden Park
well before then as the likely venue. It all came
down to our exit and the funding of the development.
Speaker 2 (02:00):
Were the other realistic options apart from Colin Maiden Park.
I know Western Springs for example, was in the conversation
at one point.
Speaker 3 (02:07):
Yes it was, and that's probably going back sort of
three years now. We ran a process with Council at
the stage because obviously most green spaces around Auckland a
relate council related, whether it's local board or the central Council.
So we went through a process within and yes Western
(02:29):
Springs and Column Maiden we're looked at in more detail.
And then at the time Colin Maiden was chosen and
I presume everyone's followed what's happened to Western Springs since
so that really the the option came down to column maiden,
which which we see we can make work.
Speaker 2 (02:50):
Is this a good outcome for Auckland cricket moving away
from Eden Park?
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Oh? Look, I think, as I said before, we've got
a long steet history there, but we have to recognize
it's time probably for us to try and work with
the various parties to see if there is an alternative venue.
So that I think it is a good move. Where's
the board think it's a good move. I think we've
(03:16):
been through a process with the Uckan cricket community. I
think most people would support it. Obviously there are always
in a situation like there is, there would be there
are people that have different views. But I think we've
got a general consensus that this is in the best
interest of Auckland cricket and so we're happy with where
we've ended up with the sign of that foundation agreement.
(03:39):
Dawson went to go, Jason, you know, as you know,
we've got it still negotiated the final exit of eden Park,
but we've got a good foundation to move forward with.
Speaker 2 (03:51):
Would it be fair to say that those who opposed
the move, as you say, there were different views. Was
that mainly an emotional argument, the fact that Eden Park
and cricket have been inextricably linked for so long.
Speaker 3 (04:06):
Look, there certainly certainly an amount of that, but also
location of the upfront location became an issue, Jason. You know,
Awkins a very big city. There's no doubt this is
in the east of the city and so that was
also part of the consideration that we took into account.
But I think history we won't. We won't lose their history.
(04:28):
I think hopefully. Well. Part of the arrangements is that
white ball, short form crickets, international crickets still we played
at Eden Park and you know, if you're going to
have any international World tournaments, that will have to be
paid there cricket cricket wise and personally, and Auckland Cricket's
got a view hopefully a larger form of major nation
(04:51):
Test match cricket might return to Auckland Eton Park as well.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
All right, so that's not off the table. White ball
cricket definitely on the table at Eden Park, and you
can see a time where Test cricket might be played again. Well,
I don't want to sort of mix conversations here. I
want to talk about Colin Maiden Park in a minute.
But this isn't the end of test cricket in Auckland.
Speaker 3 (05:12):
Oh definitely not, definitely not. I mean, obviously you'll be
well and we're Jason been around for a long time.
All of the six m as compete for content that's
coming into the country, whether it be whiteboad or Test
match cricket. For a range of reasons, Eden Park hasn't
been on that seriously on that landscape. I think we're
(05:34):
all of knowledge, but we're hopeful that we will bring
that back with this arrangement we've got with the move
to Colin Maiden and their residual arrangements will end up
at Eden Park.
Speaker 2 (05:46):
With so ten million dollars of public funding are both
a local and central government funding going into upgrading Colin
Maiden Park. What will that be spent on?
Speaker 3 (05:58):
Look, we'll the oval out there and work at block
gets totally redone. The changing rooms and they have been
out there, Jos, the University rugby and cricket club changing
rooms have been there for probably fifty years. And need
a good need a good uh And it's bit more
than to do up I mean with the Superman, the
(06:19):
council and local board have been great here. They recognize
that those those facilities will be upgraded and they will
be community cricket facilities as well, and cricket's not using
them in the winter, they will be used. So there's
there's those facilities. These also we will also need to
move aw from University Cricket because they are currently got
(06:42):
a lease on that building. So the whole high performance
will be a game changer. The facilities out there will
be uh you know, for purpose and we would say
hopefully one of the best in New Zealand to play
domestic cricket and and potentially some white ball or Test
match cricket at a lower end and potentially involving Norman.
Speaker 2 (07:05):
Well call them out and paright be ready to host
domestic T twenty cricket next summer. We don't know what
form that will take yet, of course that's a different conversation.
But will Colin maiden part be ready next summer that's.
Speaker 3 (07:16):
The aim, you know, that's the target. And hopefully we
will be finalizing arrangements with a pointing a contractor and
work will start later this month. So look, there's a
timetable that says it does. Jason, we're working very hard
with everyone involved to make that happen. But yeah, so
(07:40):
I'm optimistic of that. But yeah, that's the aim. That
is clearly the aim.
Speaker 2 (07:45):
Great to hear, are there grounds around the country Brenan
that you've looked at and thought, hey, that's quite like
what they're doing. They're using it as a case study
perhaps what for what colin matter might be. Like I'm
thinking maybe Hagley Oval or Bayoval.
Speaker 3 (07:58):
Yeah, and that's probably the two that spread to mind. Obviously,
Hagley's a step up from bay Oval just in terms
of grandstands and and eminent facilities, shall we call it,
But we're probably more towards the bay Oval end. You know,
we would have loved to have done done a Heagley,
but the cost of that at the time just doesn't
(08:20):
then justified, I suppose, particularly when we've got even park
sitting there. So we've we've used day Oval as a
something that we've looked at and we can't quite replicate.
Every ground's got its own issues and challenges, but we're
trying to create embankments, player facilities that are fit for
(08:42):
purpose and modern and high performance facilities that are the same.
So whatever a crowdo which is an indoor grass wicket.
It is basically needed these days to get players to
perform at a level that needed.
Speaker 2 (08:58):
So I'm the hearing here as you're looking at the
balance between high performance and a fan friendly venue that
the people can come in and enjoy watching the game.
Is that a fair assessment?
Speaker 3 (09:08):
Yes? Yes, And you know, we've got to be realistic
about Jason. They don't tune up and watch Plunket Shield
and Ford Trophy like they did twenty five years ago,
but we still want to create an environment where people
will come and do that. But also for T twenty
or any international cricket, they can come and really enjoy
the experience.
Speaker 2 (09:26):
Outstanding, looking forward to that. So just to finish then
you are just negotiating your exit from Eden Park. Work
will start on Colin Maiden Park and hopefully we can
all we can all that out there and watch some
watch some domestic cricket next summer and hopefully some some
international cricket down the down the track. Is that the plan?
Speaker 3 (09:44):
You couldn't have stunded it up there to Jason.
Speaker 2 (09:46):
Thank you love it, Brandon, great to get you on
the show this afternoon. Look forward to staying in touch.
Speaker 3 (09:51):
Hei Gay, thanks Jason, good at all.
Speaker 2 (09:52):
No good to talk to you too, Brandon, thanks indeed.
Brandon Gibson their chair of Auckland Cricket. So off to
Colin Maiden Park they go.
Speaker 1 (09:59):
For more from Weekend Sport with Jason Fine. Listen live
to news talks'd be weekends from midday or for of
the podcast on iHeartRadio
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