Telecom Vodafone has "thrown its weight behind the growing push for a new waterfront stadium in central Auckland -- and is prepared to put its money where its mouth is," according to the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. Undeterred by "government indifference" toward funding a CBD-based stadium, Vodafone New Zealand CEO Russell Stanners "weighed in on the public debate" and supported the push to dump Eden Park as Auckland's main sports arena. Stanners said that Vodafone had a "long and rich history" with New Zealand sport, and would "seriously consider sponsoring a new Auckland downtown stadium if it went ahead." Stanners said, "We think a new stadium is an absolutely fantastic idea, and we would love this to become a reality for Auckland and the rest of New Zealand." Vodafone has been the principal naming rights sponsor of National Rugby League club Warriors since '99 -- "the longest professional naming rights sports team sponsor in New Zealand history." The telecom "also supports a wide range of other sports." Stanners: "We've already been in talks with other individuals and organizations who are backing this stadium proposal, pledging our full support." Stanners said that constructing a new multi-code, multi-purpose venue on the Auckland waterfront would present New Zealand with a "once and a lifetime opportunity" to build a "stadium of the future" -- and "one of the most technologically advanced in the world" (NZ HERALD, 3/21).
