The Outdoor stadium trust-built Rugby Park, Rugby Southland managed it on their behalf until they dispersed when ICC took on the ownership and management in 2015. There were issues from the start, but council had signed off the completed building and had voted to take it on, issues and all. Council charge Rugby Southland and any other user groups for the usage of the park. In 2021 an ICC commissioned independent report stated that Rugby Park was the best option for an outdoor facility for Invercargill for the next 20-25 years, but the lack of programmed maintenance, quality repairs and no promotion, had left the facility in a poor state and underutilized. Rugby Southland staff were forced from the facility 6 years ago due to the toxic mold, caused by a leak between new and old grandstands. It was to be for a 6-month period. This issue is still to be fixed.
Long term planning decisions by the council had resulted in an agreed staged fix for the park to be completed in 2024-25, this week's change of direction was a complete shock and against an agreed solution.
People have short memories, only 9years ago the Stadium was shandied over to the ICC after Rugby Southland and the trust they formed ran the place into the ground.
That rort was sold on the premise that if it didn’t happen it would severly impact community rugby.
Rugby southland and the trust converted debt to prepaid rent (around 800k) that also got sucked into council along with a litany of remedial works being needed.
If the place needs sorted out, let Rugby Southland sort it out, they’re posting profits and should shoulder the load as it’s their mess.
Sort it out mate: isn’t this what has happened in the past? This phrase paints a political culture of men talking in the ears of other men of influence to sort out Southland rugby . Excepting that the needs and interests of Invercargill and Southland residents, and sportsfollowers, in 2024, are broader, more diverse and changed .
The Outdoor stadium trust-built Rugby Park, Rugby Southland managed it on their behalf until they dispersed when ICC took on the ownership and management in 2015. There were issues from the start, but council had signed off the completed building and had voted to take it on, issues and all. Council charge Rugby Southland and any other user groups for the usage of the park. In 2021 an ICC commissioned independent report stated that Rugby Park was the best option for an outdoor facility for Invercargill for the next 20-25 years, but the lack of programmed maintenance, quality repairs and no promotion, had left the facility in a poor state and underutilized. Rugby Southland staff were forced from the facility 6 years ago due to the toxic mold, caused by a leak between new and old grandstands. It was to be for a 6-month period. This issue is still to be fixed.
Long term planning decisions by the council had resulted in an agreed staged fix for the park to be completed in 2024-25, this week's change of direction was a complete shock and against an agreed solution.
The Mayor is doing his job by holding down Invercargill rate increases rather than throwing money down this seemingly bottomless money pit.
People have short memories, only 9years ago the Stadium was shandied over to the ICC after Rugby Southland and the trust they formed ran the place into the ground.
That rort was sold on the premise that if it didn’t happen it would severly impact community rugby.
Rugby southland and the trust converted debt to prepaid rent (around 800k) that also got sucked into council along with a litany of remedial works being needed.
If the place needs sorted out, let Rugby Southland sort it out, they’re posting profits and should shoulder the load as it’s their mess.
Sort it out mate: isn’t this what has happened in the past? This phrase paints a political culture of men talking in the ears of other men of influence to sort out Southland rugby . Excepting that the needs and interests of Invercargill and Southland residents, and sportsfollowers, in 2024, are broader, more diverse and changed .
Boutique rugby ground..will it be by invitation only?
Ethan for mayor?.