In the mid-2000s much hoo hah was to be had over the building of what is now known as Toll Stadium.
Detractors slated the project as extravagant and pooh-poohed suggestions that it would be a multi-use sports stadium. Define "multi", I suppose. Football, league, rugby - they have all taken centre stage at the stadium which is also finding its niche as a concert venue.
Like many projects involving councils and local body politicians, the new stadium annoyed, it seems, many people.
But look at it now. And look at the opportunity it is beginning to create through annual events.
The 2011 Rugby World Cup was a massive success. Northland received recognition from RWC CEO Martin Snedden for its Paint It Red campaign.