Trust files $5m leaky Wellington Stadium claim

After years of trying to negotiate a settlement with contractors over leaks at Wellington's Westpac Stadium, the trust which runs it has filed a damages claim for almost $5 million.

In a report to the Wellington City Council, the stadium trust says it has been forced into court action. "The trust has made strenuous efforts to achieve a negotiated settlement with the relevant contractors, but has not been able to achieve a satisfactory response."

Any claim through the courts has to be filed within 10 years of the code of compliance certificate being issued. The claim was filed on December 10, one day before that deadline passed, the Dominion Post reported.

Stadium chief executive David Gray said the roof was a major problem, with leaks around the stadium, including some over the seating areas. "It does piss people off if they get leaked on."

Other internal leaks were causing water damage, he said. Cladding problems included rust, and the wrong screws being used.

"There are a number of issues around design and construction," Mr Gray said.

The problems were first noticed about four years after the stadium was built, and negotiations over who would foot the bill had been continuing with contractors for about five years.

There is urgency about getting the problems fixed, with the $130 million stadium needed for next year's Rugby World Cup.

The 34,500-seat stadium is largely funded by Wellington City Council and Greater Wellington regional council and ratepayers may have to pay for the repairs while the matter goes through the courts.

The main contractor, Fletcher Construction, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

- NZPA