November 2025
Restaurant Association of New Zealand submission to the Ministry for the Environment on the Consultation on Eden Park planning rules
The Restaurant Association of New Zealand (the Restaurant Association) welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on the Consultation on Eden Park planning rules.
Since 1972, the Restaurant Association has worked to offer advice, help and assistance in every facet of the vibrant and diverse hospitality industry, covering the length and breadth of the country. We’re passionate about our vibrant industry, which is full of interesting, talented and entrepreneurial people.
The Restaurant Association supports the recommendations that have been made in the Ministry for the Environment Auckland Unitary Plan – Eden Park Precinct Provisions Report of Investigations (Report of Investigations). In particular, we are supportive of the recommendations to:
- provide for more diverse uses of the stadium, such as displays and exhibitions, markets, fairs, trade fairs, and cultural and community events;
- provide for 12 ‘large’ concerts (over 30,000 attendees) and considering providing for 20 ‘medium’ concerts (between 10,000 and 30,000 attendees) per year, as permitted activities;
- simplify provisions related to sports games, particularly those relating to when and how often sports games can take place;
- simplify provisions related to timing for concerts; and
- remove size limits for conferences and large functions.
Benefits for the hospitality industry
The Restaurant Association has long expressed our support for more large scale events in Auckland. Major events have a proven flow-on effect for the hospitality sector, filling our restaurants, bars and cafes with both domestic and international visitors. Events don’t just bring fans, they bring diners, spenders, and stories that ripple across our entire sector.
We have seen firsthand the positive effects hosting major events can bring to our members over the past couple of years, from top music acts to global sporting tournaments like the ASB Classic, Women’s Football World Cup and the Rugby World Cup. The recommendations made in the Report of Investigations would significantly increase the number of these events that could take place in Auckland, and therefore the positive impacts for our members and the wider community.
Hospitality businesses have been facing increased pressure from reduced consumer spending and rising costs and stimulus that would bring in foot traffic and high-value visitors is a welcome move. This is exactly the kind of support our industry needs right now. This will also help to support local jobs, stimulate economic activity, and bring vibrancy back to Auckland in the areas surrounding Eden Park.
Additional support
The Restaurant Association would also like to take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of high quality surrounding infrastructure.
The increase in events will need to have sufficient surrounding infrastructure to support delivery. If there are any infrastructure disruptions across our city, there will need to be support from Auckland Council to limit the impact on commercial activities on local businesses. Auckland Council must engage with businesses right from the early planning stages of infrastructure projects and maintain open lines of communication throughout any construction phases.
Improving access and signage around construction sites is another critical measure. Clear, well-placed signage directing customers to alternative routes and entrances can significantly ease the access challenges posed by construction, helping to maintain or even increase foot traffic. Temporary parking solutions or shuttle services could also be offered to mitigate the inconvenience caused by ongoing construction works.
Finally, establishing a robust feedback loop where businesses can promptly report issues and receive quick responses can dramatically improve any potential negative impacts. This mechanism allows Auckland Council to address problems as they arise, preventing them from escalating and further affecting the businesses.
Marketing and promotional initiatives play a crucial role as well. By partnering with local business associations, Auckland Council can help launch campaigns that highlight that businesses remain operational despite nearby construction. Hosting events, providing promotions, and enhancing signage could dispel the notion that construction areas are inaccessible, thereby attracting customers who might otherwise avoid the area.
Thank you for the opportunity to provide feedback on the Consultation on Eden Park planning rules. We would be happy to discuss any part of this submission in more detail, and to provide any assistance that you may require.
Ngā mihi nui,
Marisa Bidois
Chief Executive
Restaurant Association of New Zealand
More submissions by the Restaurant Association can be accessed here.