Winston Peters
NZ First Leader Winston Peters wants Christchurch’s new stadium to be built out of New Zealand-grown timber. Source: Stuff NZ
He wants the Government make a major injection into the project, but only if the stadium earns revenue 24 hours a day, seven days a week – and only if it is built from wood.
“We don’t want an Eden Park white elephant down here,” he said during a speech at the Transitional Cathedral on Wednesday where he also announced the party’s Christchurch candidates.
“We’re backing New Zealand-made, we’re backing the New Zealand worker and we’re backing New Zealand innovation in this campaign.”
He said Christchurch’s AMI Stadium was “second-rate” and not worthy of the Crusaders rugby team.
A $470 million arena in central Christchurch has been identified as an anchor project. It was originally expected to be completed this year.
The Christchurch City Council, which would contribute about $252m of the cost, pushed out the stadium spending over three financial years from 2022-23.
Mr Peters criticised Christchurch’s rebuild for being too lethargic and lacking innovation.
“Much of the Christchurch rebuild should have been done in wood because it performs better in an earthquake. We should be using wood in projects around this country rather than shipping it off.”
Sir Bob Jones recently announced plans to erect the world’s tallest wooden office building in central Wellington.
“We want to see far more wood down here.”
Mr Peters said procrastination, dawdling and delays over the rebuild have held Christchurch back and he questioned why people would continue to vote for National.
“If you go and vote for them after that performance then I’m going to come down and start the Mother Teresa branch in Canterbury of the New Zealand people because the worse they treat you the more you show them forgiveness.
“You are living through stagnation and neglect and you have five weeks to do something about it. Give us three years to demonstrate we can do a whole lot better than that.”
Mr Peters weighed in on the Christ Church Cathedral debate, saying the option of gifting the cathedral to the people of New Zealand should have been considered years ago.
He said the Government should have stepped in and rebuilt it.
“That cathedral symbolises what this country is, what the South Island is and what Canterbury is and also symbolises what a significant part of this country’s culture is and we’re not ashamed to say we are part British.”
