Auckland Council is deciding the future of Western Springs and your submission could be the difference between Ponsonby Rugby Club continuing to thrive in its home, or being pushed out.
Choose Option 2 on the Council form.
Why?
Option 2 supports the shared-use, community-focused plan and keeps our club at Western Springs.
Spread the word
Post your support on social media and tell your friends, family, and neighbours to do the same. Paste the link to the Council’s public feedback page and encourage people to choose Option 2.
What’s happening?
The Council is reviewing the future of Western Springs Stadium - the home we’ve shared for over 30 years. Our lease runs out in 2027, and current Council policy (via Tātaki Auckland Unlimited) aims to push for a more commercialised model.
A privately backed bid wants to take over the space, demolish the natural amphitheatre, and build a concrete stadium with gyms, restaurants, and gated access - effectively turning this beloved public space into a locked, pay-to-enter facility.
Why the alternatives don’t work
There is no viable alternative to Western Springs for our club.
Suggestions like relocating to Cox’s Bay Reserve ignore the facts on the ground. It’s already stretched to capacity. We already use it weekly, and forcing our 1,000-strong membership, dozens of teams, and daily trainings into an already busy park would overwhelm the area. It also faces legal protections under the Reserves Act, limited parking, and strong community resistance.
And while Auckland FC has viable stadium options in Mt Smart and North Harbour, we don’t. We’re not asking for special treatment, we’re asking for fairness. Our only real option is to stay where we are and grow what we’ve built.
Our community-first alternative: The Western Springs Bowl proposal
Together with CRS Records and Eccles Entertainment (the team behind some of Aotearoa’s biggest and best live events), we’ve submitted a bold, balanced vision – one that meets Auckland Council’s financial and infrastructure goals while keeping the land in public hands and enhancing access for everyone.
Our proposal includes:
• A 5,000–8,000 seat stadium for school finals, club sport, and community events
• A permanent music stage for concerts and cultural festivals
• A new community sport facility with clubrooms, changing rooms, and shared spaces for basketball, netball, touch, and fitness
• Corporate hosting and modern infrastructure to support both local and international events
• Public access to the Outer Fields - preserved and enhanced
• The flexibility to host up to 50,000 people for major outdoor concerts
This isn’t just about rugby. It’s about keeping Western Springs for everyone. This proposal isn’t about changing Western Springs - it’s about respecting what makes it special and building on it for generations to come.
Why these partners?
CRS Records and Eccles Entertainment are trusted names in Aotearoa’s live music scene. They've worked alongside us to create a shared-use, multi-purpose plan that supports both grassroots sport and cultural events.
We can both work together to get the best use out of the area, with concerts and festivals in the summer and our games through the winter.
Together, we’re offering a community-led alternative that meets council goals without selling off the land for private gain.
Key details
Submissions close: 11.59pm, 15 June 2025
Make your submission online at: https://akhaveyoursay.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/western-springs-stadium
Or in person at these libraries: Mt Albert, Pt Chevalier, Grey Lynn, Central City
Stand with the Ponies
This is our moment to protect not just a playing field, but a legacy.
Make your voice count. Choose Option 2. Keep our club at Western Springs and the stadium in community hands.
Media coverage
1News
NZ Herald
RNZ
Contact
If you have specific questions about the proposal, please contact club chairman Greg Edmonds at Rangitoto1@outlook.co.nz
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