Support at city council for Warriors move

Orakei councillor Cameron Brewer has concerns about the city finding itself in a costly legal battle with the Warriors. Photo / Getty Images

There is support on Auckland Council for a plan to relocate the Warriors from Mt Smart to Albany's QBE Stadium as part of a sweeping reform of Auckland's sporting facilities.

The Herald tried to contact all 20 councillors and Mayor Len Brown. Of those who responded, seven said they supported the $30 million plan designed by Regional Facilities Auckland, the body that manages the city's stadiums on behalf of the council.

Four councillors said they opposed a plan that would have the Warriors leave Mt Smart in 2018 in favour of speedway, QBE Stadium receive a $12 million upgrade and a further $12 million spent establishing a cricket ground at Western Springs.

What do the councillors think about the stadium shuffle? Click here to find out more.

Five councillors and Mr Brown indicated they would require more information before making a final decision, and four did not respond before deadline.

All up, the numbers mean that just four of the 10 undecided or undeclared councillors would need to support the plan for it to become a reality.

Of that group, two have already indicated they are likely to support the plan.

Orakei councillor Cameron Brewer has concerns about the city finding itself in a costly legal battle with the Warriors, however he is "generally supportive" of the stadium strategy.

Manurewa-Papakura councillor Calum Penrose said more was required on the plan, however he questioned whether ratepayers were still prepared to subsidise a club that is a private business.

Several councillors raised concerns about the $70 million price tag Regional Facilities Auckland has cited as the cost of retaining Mt Smart.

Waitemata and Gulf councillor Mike Lee said: "Most Aucklanders want to see the Warriors remain at Mt Smart."

He thought moving them was "dumb".

So are the Warriors really going to move to Albany?
Quite possibly. Regional Facilities Auckland, the council-controlled body responsible for the city's stadiums, plans to offer the Warriors an attractive commercial deal to kick in once the club's lease on Mt Smart expires in 2018. The plan is for Albany's QBE Stadium to be upgraded and become the city's premier venue for sports matches played in rectangles that will attract crowds of 25,000 or less.

What are the Warriors saying?
Outwardly, the club is furious and is vowing to fight tooth and nail. In reality, the club will consider all options.

Does the club have any choice?
Plenty. It could opt for Eden Park; take its games on the road; or even relocate permanently to a new city. This year's three-game trial suggested the numbers don't stack up at Eden Park, however both parties could reach a deal in the future.