Details of Sir Ray Avery's plan to save one million babies.
Sir Ray Avery has called on the public to support a planned charity concert at Eden Park after criticism from neighbours including former Prime Minister Helen Clark.
Avery, a former New Zealander of the Year, announced plans for a Live Aid-style concert at Eden Park next Waitangi Day to raise money to help save babies around the world.
He wants to build enough LifePod incubators to save a million babies.
The Eden Park Neighbours Association (EPNA) is in the process of finalising a submission they will lodge to the Auckland Council.
The EPNA has released a newsletter detailing their issues with the proposed concert, citing noise and the potential of more concerts being held at Eden Park as major issues.
Mark Donnelly, president of the EPNA, said they met with Avery about the concert where discussions were held, but no promises were made.
Sir Ray Avery has plan for a concert at Eden Park to raise money for his LifePod baby incubators. Photo / Greg Bowker
Clark's submission to Auckland Council opposing the concert said it was a "Trojan horse" to allow the council's park management division to plan further concerts at the venue.
Avery, a former New Zealander of the Year, via Twitter, told Stuff that he'd have preferred it if Clark had contacted him personally, rather than posting online.
"It's a fall from grace for her, she's really come down to be a petty politician.
"She should have done what we're good at in New Zealand, that is, pick up the phone," he told Stuff.
But Clark hit back, claiming Avery's style was unique.
"Amazing way of operating – to hurl abuse, and then say he wants to sit down and talk," She wrote.
"Time for 101 perhaps on residents' rights to object to activities which are not permitted under current planning parameters."
Amazing way of operating - to hurl abuse, and then say he wants to sit down and talk. Time for 101 perhaps on residents’ rights to object to activities which are not permitted under current planning parameters.
Commenting on a Facebook post of Auckland Councillor Cathy Casey, Clark said she had no problem with Eden Park being used as a sports ground.
But the former Prime Minister claimed that the Eden Park Trust was using Avery's charity event as a "ruse" to ensure they could use the location for other concerts.
"Five previous applications have failed - now they are trying this ruse.
"If the 'charity' application succeeded, then a precedent for ongoing concerts would be set," Clark said.
"The proposed charity element is not directly related to the concert nor specific to this venue in any meaningful or concrete fashion within the application," she submitted.
Avery said he was surprised and disappointed at the attitude of some neighbours and their submissions to shut down the concert.
A handful of other powerful objectors, including Clark, insisted the concert could be held at another venue, which was not true, he said.
"We are holding it at Eden Park because of the type of concert, the talent, the Telethon and associated sponsors and the facilities Eden Park has so generously offered to us.
"The objectors are using the 'another venue' excuse to exonerate themselves from any responsibility for shutting down a charity concert which can save at least a million babies' lives."
His end-of-life dream was to save at least a million babies with his Lifepod.
"I now need all the help I can get to make this happen."
The Eden Park Trust has applied for resource consent to hold a concert at Eden Park stadium on Waitangi Day next year.
The inventor has gained support for the charity event from Auckland Mayor Phil Goff, Auckland Council chief executive Stephen Town, Auckland councillor Christine Fletcher, Auckland RSA, local residents of The Hood - Eden Park Supporters' Club and local business associates.
