The Auckland stadiums strategy is "up in the air," with the Auckland Council "putting a freeze on any further development," according to Michael Burgess of the NEW ZEALAND HERALD. The "ambitious plan" to move the speedway from Western Springs, then shift Auckland Cricket from Eden Park to the lakeside venue, "is at the crossroads." Regional Facilities Auckland, the council-controlled organization which has "driven the controversial stadiums strategy" since '12, received a "severe setback" last week. Auckland Council instructed RFA to "shelve any development plans," and there is doubt over when it can start the process again. The council also instructed RFA that there are to be "no significant changes to stadia until the future of Eden Park and a national stadium proposal is clearer." The council's move is a "significant shift." Over the last five years, the council has been "broadly supportive" of RFA's strategies, recognizing the need to consolidate Auckland's stadium offerings, but "this is a change in direction" (NZ HERALD, 12/17).
