Auckland’s Eden Park Stadium could nearly triple its yearly economic contribution to the city by hosting the 12 concerts it is presently permitted to hold, a new report has revealed.
The stadium’s planning regulations permit only 12 concerts annually, whereas the rules are more lenient for sporting events.
Revising Eden Park’s event regulations
The government has recently announced the launch of an investigation into modifying local regulations regarding the use of Auckland’s Eden Park for major events.
RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop and Tourism Minister Louise Upston stated their intention to “enhance” Eden Park’s standing as a premier venue for major sports events.
Upston said that concerts and major events at Eden Park contribute millions of dollars to Auckland’s economy, but current planning regulations may be limiting its potential to generate even more.
“Last summer Auckland’s economy received a boost of nearly $32 million from several big concerts. These events created jobs and had local hospitality businesses humming,” Bishop said.
Bishop said he was aware of local rules and restrictions at Eden Park that might be “limiting its capacity to host” events.
“For example, Eden Park is only allowed to host six artists playing a total of 12 shows per year. These shows can only take place on certain days of the week, can only have a maximum duration of five hours, have to be finished by 11pm on weekdays, and can host no more than four concerts in a four-week period.
“Sporting events face many barriers too. The stadium is currently not allowed to host more than 25 night-time sporting events per year, and they can only be between 7.30pm and 9.30pm on weekdays (except for cricket, which can go until 10pm). Sporting events can’t take place on Sunday evenings.
“And despite the stadium’s huge capacity, conferences can’t have more than 2000 people.”
Study analyses Eden Park events
The independent report from Auckland University examined events held at the venue during the 2023-2024 financial year, covering three major concerts and several sports matches.
The report said the stadium generated over $37 million in annual GDP benefits for Auckland.
“It shows how events at the stadium support local businesses, create jobs, attract visitors, and ultimately enhance Auckland’s global profile.”
It noted that concerts provided the highest returns.
“A typical large concert adds around $8.3 million to Auckland’s GDP, supports 114 [full-time equivalent] jobs, and generates $4.3 million in household incomes per event night.
“Medium-large concerts also have substantial impacts, averaging $6.4 million GDP, 88 [full-time equivalent jobs], and $3.3 million in household incomes per event night.”
The report modelled two scenarios to explore increased use of Eden Park within the stadium’s physical and consented limits. One is focused on the maximum number of concerts.
The other is on the maximum number of rugby matches.
Between 1 November 2023 and 31 October 2024, Eden Park hosted 22 sports matches that contributed a net $13 million to GDP, alongside three concerts contributing $24 million.
“Relative to the baseline of the 2023/24 season, the additional net GDP is almost three times higher under the concert scenario and around 1.6 times higher under the rugby scenario, with total net GDP impacts of $107 million and $60.5 million, respectively,” the report said.