White water stadium wins 19,000 supporters

A planned stadium for recreational, school and competitive white water kayakers in South Auckland is receiving record support, its organisers say.

More than 19,000 people made submissions supporting the stadium, which will complete Stage 2 of the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre in Manukau City.

"To have 19,194 people support us shows just how well used this white water stadium will be," said Richard Jeffery, the events centre's chief executive.

"Not only will it attract tourists and corporates but it will give the people of South Auckland - especially the kids - an opportunity they may not otherwise get."

The events centre hopes the Manukau City Council will put up $40 million of the $60 million cost - which the centre says will equate to 48c a week on the local rates bill - and plans to raise the remaining $20 million itself.

Mr Jeffery said it was hoped the artificial white water stadium would be able to host World Cup events for white water kayaking - an Olympic sport.

The Pacific Events Centre has had more than 1.4 million visitors and returned more than $1.7 million of sponsorship to the community, Mr Jeffery said.

A conference centre and an art gallery are also planned for the centre.

- NZPA