Stadium Southland claim approved

General Manager Nigel Skelt shows the damage the heavy snow caused Stadium Southland after the roof collapsed, Invercargill. Photo / NZPA

Stadium Southland organisers have adopted the slogan "Game on 2012" after having a multi-million dollar insurance claim for their collapsed roof accepted today.

The roof collapsed under the weight of heavy snow during a storm on September 18, prompting questions over the construction of the building.

However, Stadium Southland general manager Nigel Skelt said today's decision from New Zealand Insurance (NZI) went a long way to putting questions over the construction to rest.

"Jo Mason, who's the acting general manager of NZI, travelled to Invercargill this morning and unexpectedly announced that NZI had accepted our insurance claim up to the value of between 20 and 25 million dollars," Mr Skelt told NZPA.

"Needless to say, as Jo reiterated, they were very happy with the information they've received and to accept that claim. So, unquestionably, they were happy with the safety of the building. At the time, when the building code standards were set, we were 30 per cent over the requirement and that's held us in good stead throughout the claim process."

While investigations into the collapse would continue, Mr Skelt said he was thrilled to be able to move on with the rebuilding process.

"The acceptance of the claim has brought a degree of closure for us, and it's pretty exhilarating now that we can take a breather for a short period of time and get on with things. Our catch phrase at the moment is 'Game on 2012', and it's certainly our intention to be up and running by March 2012.

Mr Skelt said the first of many rebuild planning meetings would be held tomorrow.

"What's really important is that we get community input as well. We've got 10 years of management and 10 years of technology, but we also need to get out to the sports users, community users, get all their ideas and the feelings on what we had before, take them all on board and let's see if we can't create something even more special."

- NZPA