Cricket
Racing
Rugby
League
Motorsport
Football
Golf
Combat Sports
Basketball
Netball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
'If it ain’t broke, it doesn’t need fixing': Speedway and rugby could stay at Western Springs following public consultation
Savannah Lendich Jonkers • July 9th, 2025 12:46 pm
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
The continuation of speedway, rugby and concerts at Western Springs seems to be the common verdict following public consultation.
Of the 14,820 individuals who voted in Auckland Council's public consultation, 49% were in favour of either option 3A or 3B which could allow the continuation of speedway, rugby and concerts.
Today on Sport Nation, Scotty Stevenson and Steve Devine shared concerns over the future of many sports and venues in Auckland following this verdict.
“So where does that leave Auckland FC, where does it leave the city in terms of venues?," Stevenson asked.
They also mentioned that the Auckland NPC semi-professional rugby team is without an area to train.
“Here's the ridiculous thing about that, Eden Park is a Trust, run by a Trust. The two major beneficiaries of that Trust are Auckland Cricket and Auckland Rugby," Stevenson continued.
"Auckland couldn't play its cricket at Eden Park in Super Smash because of the Luke Combs concert, and Auckland rugby can't train at Eden Park. What is going on there?"
Auckland Aces playing at Eden Park Outer Oval | Photo: Brett Phibbs/Photosport
From May 19 to June 15, the Auckland Council and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) held a public consultation on the future of Western Springs Stadium.
Option 3B of exploring other options for the venue which could include the reinstatement of speedway was the most popular option receiving 33% of votes.
Alongside this, option 3A of leaving the stadium as is with possibly extending the lease of Ponsonby Rugby Club and continuing concerts received 16% of votes.
Ali Williams and Anna Mowbray’s private bid for a $200M-$300M Auckland Stadium for Auckland FC was reportedly withdrawn from the race after receiving 21% of votes.
The other option of a ‘Western Springs Bowl’ concert/festival venue and community sport facility received 30% of votes.
The renowned Western Springs Speedway where Shane van Gisbergen’s career began, returning last season to race a sprintcar, has been home to New Zealand Speedway since 1929.
Ponsonby Rugby Club has also been based at Western Springs for 30 years, producing highly respected rugby players such as Carlos Spencer, Caleb Clarke, Sonny Bill Williams and the Ioane brothers Rieko and Akira.
Councillor John Watson said via Facebook, “The best thing they (the council) could do is get right out of it and leave it up to Ponsonby Rugby, the concert promoters...and Speedway to sort out a future that makes the most of this iconic venue - that's what 79% of the people submitting supported between the three of them!”
The Auckland Council previously proposed the move of open-wheel race cars from Western Springs to an upgraded Waikaraka Park Speedway, in which they allocated $11M.
Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
“Bring back Western Springs Speedway - Waikaraka Park is simply inadequate. The long history and premium location that already exists should be Auckland's premium speedway track,” one voter said.
Ponsonby Rugby Club was given the option to move back to their other facility in Cox’s Bay which is already “stretched to capacity” and would not allow room for all club members.
Another voter said, “I feel for the Ponsonby Rugby Club, one of the oldest in Auckland having been shunted around from Ponsonby over the years and feel they deserve to have a home.”
“Western Springs Speedway and Ponsonby Rugby Club are historically (and continue to be) important parts of Auckland community. It's also a significant waste of Auckland taxpayer money to go through this process,” said another voter.
An update from Auckland Council on their website states that “Following the recent withdrawal of the Auckland Arena proposal, TAU has advised that further work is required to assess the remaining options before it can recommend an appropriate path forward.
“TAU and the council are committed to finding a long-term option that builds on the valuable feedback already received and that maximises the use of this important regional asset.”
