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'The law and what is right are not always the same’: Save Our Speedway responds to defeat
Sport Nation • September 1st, 2026 12:24 pm
Western Springs Speedway Photo: Andrew Cornaga/Photosport
Save Our Speedway has acknowledged defeat after the High Court dismissed its judicial review challenging Auckland Council’s decision to move speedway away from Western Springs.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the group said it was “unfortunately unsuccessful” but remained critical of the decision to relocate speedway and develop Western Springs as a specialist concert venue.
“The predicted failure of relocating speedway was well documented,” Save Our Speedway said.
“Likewise, plenty of data suggests Auckland does not need another specialist concert venue to compete with those that operate well below potential, due to a lack of demand.”
Artists Dom Dolla and Bruno Mars have recently announced shows at Auckland Domain and Eden Park, despite upgrades at Western Springs Stadium to fulfil the concert bowl option.
Western Springs Speedway | Photo: Alan Lee/Photosport
A council public survey also showed the greatest number of respondents preferred to keep the stadium as it is, with concerts, speedway and rugby continuing at the venue.
The association’s proposal was to privately fund the stadium while allowing rugby, concerts and speedway to continue. The plan also included new clubrooms for Ponsonby Rugby Club and a community centre featuring a speedway museum and gymnasium, all at no cost to the taxpayer.
The group said the decision highlighted the difference between the legal outcome and what it believed was right for Auckland and the sport.
“The law and what is right are not always the same,” it said.
Save Our Speedway had challenged the council’s decision to move speedway to Waikaraka Park after 95 years at Western Springs.
In the weeks leading up to the judgment, the group had argued that the ongoing development of the proposed Western Springs Bowl risked limiting the venue’s future use and creating a fait accompli.
Following the court’s decision, the group thanked everyone who had supported its campaign.
“Thank you to everyone who joined the fight to save the history and future of our sport,” Save Our Speedway said.
“It was always worth fighting for.”
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