"We talked through the opportunities the facility would provide the community - which obviously include modern indoor sports courts and a raised velodrome track, but also extend to administration space and retail opportunities.
"It became clear, though, that this proposal has raised a number of questions in the minds of councillors, and although the seminar answered many of those questions, there are still issues we need to explore before we can reasonably ask for a decision."
Some councillors contacted today confirmed they had concerns about the proposal that was due to be debated today.
Onekawa-Tamatea ward councillor Annette Brosnan said she wanted answers to concerns she had raised about aspects of the proposal.
"I want to know if we have had a full and independent risk assessment and how risks would be mitigated.
"I'm also concerned about the community need for a cycling track although I am convinced of the need for more court space."
Nelson Park ward councillor Maxine Boag said her main concern was that the community was not supportive of the proposal.
"There was nothing in the detailed business case to show we had the full support of our ratepayers on this and the feedback out there in the communities I'm in is overwhelmingly negative.
"No more money should be spent until we have the community behind us telling us they think this is a good way to spend their money and if we don't have that, then it should be canned."
Sport New Zealand and Napier City Council were now working together on accessing the sporting body's latest research and analysis on the future growth of sporting codes, the statement said.
This evidence would be shared with councillors, to help ensure that a well-justified decision is reached.
"Making sure we have the right facilities to accommodate the current and future sporting desires of the Hawke's Bay community is central to our investment decision," Mr Dalton said.
"I've been impressed with our councillors' honesty and their due diligence, and I'm grateful to the team at Sport New Zealand who are making sure we have the best possible data to inform a future decision."
He called on people to share their views with himself or their councillor, or people could email futureinmotion@napier.govt.nz to comment on this and other sporting proposals.
""We need to get this right and serve the people of Napier in the best way possible."
The paper was likely to be brought back to the council later this year for a decision, and there would be further opportunities to consult with the community at the detailed design stage should it get to that, Mr Dalton said.