KEY POINTS:
Councils are preparing to spend $180 million across the Auckland region on upgrading and developing sports facilities - excluding the $240 million Eden Park facelift - over the next five to 10 years.
But a lack of co-ordination will affect the region's ability to attract international events past the 2011 Rugby World Cup, a review has found.
The Auckland Regional Physical Activity and Sport Strategy (ARPASS) is working on a project to provide a regional picture of what developments are appropriate and what facilities - which could attract major events - are missing.
Strategy director Kelvyn Eglinton said a development plan was needed so that current projects didn't turn into "white elephants".
Big projects planned include a $20 million whitewater sports centre in Manukau, a $18.2 million aquatic centre in Flat Bush, a $2.29 million netball development in Waitakere and sports ground upgrades around the region.
But a quality athletics stadium, shooting range and cycling velodrome are all missing.
Without a plan, the ability of Auckland - and, by proxy, the country because of its size - to host international events is compromised, Mr Eglinton said.
"Sports events can be a major economic driver. It took us 20 years to get the Rugby World Cup. If we don't get it [development] right, the potential that New Zealand will never host big events like the Commonwealth Games again is very real."
A regionally co-ordinated approach would mean that councils weren't duplicating what was "10 minutes down the road".
And if the extra cost of bringing a facility up to international standard could be found by bodies such as ARPASS, not ratepayers, then councils should invest in those projects.
The review found the best regional sports event facility should be identified, facilities should be complementary, not competitive, co-operative governance should be reviewed and stakeholders should consider regional trusts to support development and event bidding.
Mr Eglinton is also calling for a new body to deal with international event organisers so they wouldn't have to work with multiple councils, Transit and accommodation and tourism bodies when trying to stage an event.
ARPASS is a joint venture initiative to co-ordinate planning, investment and delivery of sport. Stakeholders include all seven councils from Rodney to Franklin, the Auckland Regional Council, Ministry of Health and four regional sports trusts.
SPORTING PLANS
* Whitewater sports centre as an extension to TelstraClear Pacific Centre - $20 million.
* Aquatic facilities, including swimming pools in Avondale and Otahuhu - $18.2 million.
* Douglas Track and Field upgrade in Waitakere - $5.3 million.
* Indoor courts in Papakura - $4.48 million.
* Metro Park sports field in Rodney - $3.8 million.
* All-weather running track in Manukau - $1 million.
