Mayor announces Eden Park changes

Security was tested at the Four Nations rugby league test match between New Zealand and Australia at Eden Park earlier this month. Photo / Dean Purcell

More security staff and a higher police visibility are among changes to be made at Eden Park when the Auckland ground next holds a major event, Mayor Len Brown said today.

A mayoral taskforce was convened after a Four Nations rugby league double-header at the redeveloped stadium on November 6 was marred by drunken fans, bottles thrown on the pitch and six arrests for disorderly behaviour.

The taskforce, which includes the chief executives of Auckland Council, Auckland Transport and the Eden Park Trust Board, as well as senior police officers, councillors and local board members, met for the first time today.

The group agreed to a number of steps to avoid a repeat of the problems.

They included better enforcement of liquor bans and acceptable behaviour inside and outside the ground.

There would be improved co-ordination of communication between the various agencies and residents, and better screening of fans to ensure alcohol wasn't smuggled in.

Greater numbers of security staff would be more proactive and visible, while police would also be more visible outside the ground.

The next significant test of crowd management at Eden Park, the focal point for the latter stages of next year's rugby World Cup, will come on Boxing Day, when the Black Caps face Pakistan in a Twenty20 cricket match.

Mr Brown said Auckland was on show every time a big sporting event was held at the venue.

"Major events at Eden Park need to be a celebration for patrons and residents if we are to move forward as an events capital," he said.

"The steps announced today and others in development are designed to ensure this happens."

- NZPA