Lee Melissa: Eden Park Trust Amendment Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
Lee Melissa: Eden Park Trust Amendment Bill — Second Reading Third Reading 
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MELISSA LEE (National) 
: 
 It is a pleasure to rise to support the Eden Park Trust Amendment Bill. Although I was not involved in the first reading in May or the select committee process it is nice for me to note the multiparty support across the House for this bill’s introduction and second reading today. This member’s bill—introduced by the Minister for the Rugby World Cup the Hon Murray McCully who is a fantastic Minister—amends the 1955 Eden Park Trust Act to provide new governance agreements and flexibility to make the 2011 Rugby World Cup at Eden Park a reality. 
I have driven past Eden Park on many occasions—some members alluded to the fact that I have probably done so more than other members in this House—and I have noticed huge changes already. Those changes are part of what this bill intends to facilitate which is the creation of a redeveloped stadium with a capacity of 60000 people. Obviously this stadium is earmarked for the Rugby World Cup but the flow-on effects of the redeveloped stadium will be huge and they will benefit the people of Auckland and ultimately the people of New Zealand. 
One of the things that used to fascinate and frustrate me having lived only a few minutes from Eden Park for more than a decade was the sheer number of people who used to park in my street to walk to the park whenever there was a game. I used to laugh at the colourfully painted faces the team jerseys and all the rugby paraphernalia. On occasion I joined them to watch either rugby or cricket as a good Kiwi girl should. As a resident of Mount Eden I used to avoid Sandringham Road and Dominion Road on game days simply because of the sheer number of cars. The traffic jams that used to frustrate even the most patient drivers will hopefully get better as a result of this bill; it is a catalyst for investment in regional transport and infrastructure. I know that already the Auckland City Council is investing in the widening of roads and fixing of walkways to facilitate the movement of the large numbers of spectators who will turn out for the Rugby World Cup. The improvement of pedestrian access to and from the park is essential and so is the establishment of transport centres for public transport. 
Already the shopping precinct in Kingsland has changed tremendously. Over the years the sad-looking Kingsland shops have improved out of sight and now are home to many wonderful cafes and bars and some of my favourite restaurants and dress shops. The Kingsland Train Station is tops too. I remember when it used to look very run down and a bit of a shack. Now it is clean and modern and it will be a great asset for those wanting to get to the game without the worry of having to drive or find a park. 
I have just returned from Korea having been invited there as a keynote speaker for a conference. I had an opportunity to have a quick look at Seoul and I was very impressed. They have beautified their city to make it people-friendly. I saw families having picnics along the stream that runs through the city and I saw children run through a water fountain specially made for them to play in. Eden Park may not quite match up in those people-friendly stakes but the recognition it will gain overseas through the Rugby World Cup and its promotion will benefit New Zealand as a whole. Auckland City will get world recognition and as the world moves in a more global network with cities competing against other cities around the world it can only add value to Auckland. That value is not just for rugby. It will be great not only for sporting events but also for other recreational musical and cultural events that will benefit the people of Mt Albert the region and the nation as a whole. 
To do all this the bill gives the trustees the teeth to do their job and meet their objectives. There will be a minimum of five and a maximum of nine trustees five of whom will be appointed by the Crown and they will hold at least six meetings each financial year. The Rugby World Cup is one of the world’s premier sports events second to the Olympic Games and the international football events. It will be the largest sporting event ever held in New Zealand and it comes at no small cost but the benefits will outweigh the cost. As the mother of a 10-year-old boy who cannot wait for the Rugby World Cup—and more important for the All Blacks to win the Rugby World Cup—I can only support this bill. Go the All Blacks! I commend this bill to the House.