KEY POINTS:
At 2pm today the Government reveals its choice for a new stadium. Read our guide to the decision on a 2011 Rugby World Cup stadium. nzherald.co.nz will cover the choice as soon as it is announced.
NOVEMBER 2005 - WINNING THE CUP
The NZRU's Jock Hobbs, the Prime Minister and Tana Umaga fly to Dublin in November 2005, securing New Zealand's right to host for 2011 Rugby World Cup hosting rights, over other contenders South Africa and Japan.
Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard excitedly described the event as "the biggest thing that's ever happened to New Zealand".
A detailed economic impact study forecast the cup would attract 60,000 overseas visitors and add $408 million to GDP.
The Government and Rugby Union tell the International Rugby Board (IRB) that Eden Park will be upgraded at a cost of up to $160 million to provide 60,000 seats.
SEPTEMBER 2006 - CHANGE OF TACK
In September Trevor Mallard said the Government was evaluating waterfront stadium sites as well as Eden Park. North Harbour Stadium and Jade Stadium both wished to host the cup as the "National Stadium" but Eden Park looked to be the front-runner with the support of Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard.
A $500-$700 million stadium on Auckland's waterfront is now believed to be the Government's choice. The stadium could be based on the 66,000-seat Allianz Stadium in Munich, Germany, which is wrapped in translucent material that can be illuminated in different colours.
OTHER STADIUMS
North Harbour Stadium
Current status: Located on 28ha in Albany with 25,000 seats.
Cost of upgrade: $226 million.
Pros: Consents in place and zoned for expansion. Close to Northern
Motorway and Northern Busway (due to open next year).
Cons: The Harbour Bridge factor.
Carlaw Park
Current status: Former home of rugby league with plans to be turned into a retirement village.
Cost of upgrade: Not known.
Pros: Close to CBD, rail and Grafton Gully motorway.
Cons: Carves 3ha off Domain.
Mt Smart Stadium
Current status: Located on 22ha with 23,000 seats.
Cost of upgrade: Not known.
Pros: Plenty of room for expansion and zoned for expansion. Good motorway access.
Cons: Lack of bars and restaurants. Limited political backing.
Others
New stadiums are also suggested in Manukau and Queenstown.
A Jade Stadium upgrade is also considered.
PORTS OF AUCKLAND IS OPPOSED
Ports of Auckland chief executive Geoff Vazey says it's too late to move the container terminal and build a stadium in time for the World Cup. He said building the stadium would mean first, the time-consuming process of gaining resource consents for new reclamation to the north of Bledisloe Wharf, and then building of the facility.
The tribe negotiating a multimillion-dollar Auckland Treaty settlement said that building a waterfront stadium could breach its proposed deal with the Government. Members of Ngati Whatua o Orakei told the Herald the land beneath the proposed stadium was subject to the hapu's claim.
WHO WILL PAY?
The Government is considering levying travellers and people staying at hotels, motels and backpackers to help pay for a $500 million stadium. This is opposed by the travel and tourism industry.
It is understood the Government believes it can raise about $450 million from the taxes, naming rights, sponsorship and the sale of corporate boxes.
Auckland City Council would be asked for about $50 million. That would cost each of Auckland City's 138,000 household ratepayers about $182 and the 24,000 business ratepayers about $1040 between now and 2011.
THE ANNOUNCEMENT
Trevor Mallard will say which option - a new stadium or an Eden Park upgrade - the Government favours at 2pm today.
