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Eden Park has welcomed Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s State of the Nation address, during which he took aim at council event rules limiting the number of concerts the Auckland stadium is allowed to host.

But Luxon’s address has been met with backlash from former Prime Minister Helen Clark, who accused his Government of rejecting “sound planning law”.

Addressing the nation on Thursday, Luxon narrowed in on a “culture of saying no”, arguing it is holding back New Zealand’s economic growth.

In his speech, he emphasised the need for more concerts, mining, and infrastructure to boost jobs and innovation. He said concerts could boost the country’s local economy.

“Kiwis spend thousands flying across the Tasman to see massive concerts, go out to bars and restaurants, and boost the Australian economy, when back home Eden Park sits empty because of council event rules,” Luxon said.

“Now in fairness, the [Auckland] Council has increased the limit, but I think they should seriously consider abolishing it completely.”

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon delivers his State of the Nation speech on Thursday. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

A ruling from Auckland Council in late November approved Eden Park’s request to host double the number of concerts previously allowed since it was first permitted to host them in 2021.

“There’s always a reason to say no, but if we keep saying no, we’ll keep going nowhere. We need larger ports. We need more concerts,” Luxon said during his speech.

Eden Park CEO Nick Sautner told the Herald the stadium is a “strategic asset” for New Zealand and community asset for Auckland.

“We’re delighted that our aspiration, innovation, and opportunity to grow and deliver was echoed by the Prime Minister at today’s State of the Nation address,” Sautner said.

“Eden Park plays a pivotal role in the ongoing economic revitalisation of our country, contributing through its capacity to host major events.”

Global superstar and country singer Luke Combs was the latest act to perform at Eden Park last week. Photo / Corey Fleming

He said Eden Park had hosted an impressive range of global artists since being granted consent in 2021, meeting diverse audience interests, and sold-out shows demonstrated the ongoing demand for world-class entertainment at the stadium.

“The economic impact is clear – these events generate tens of millions in revenue for our region while positioning New Zealand as a premier destination for international artists,” Sautner said.

“By expanding our concert hosting capabilities, we’re now a venue of choice for promoters, enhancing our ability to compete with Australian venues and attract the world’s biggest performers.”

Kiwi band Six60 were the first to hold a concert at Eden Park in April 2021. Photo / Eden Park

Luxon’s idea of abolishing event limits has been met with vocal opposition from Clark, a long-time Mt Eden resident who held the position of Prime Minister from 1999 to 2008.

“The Prime Minister’s comment is consistent with his government’s rejection of sound planning law, policy, and practice as evidenced in the ‘fast track’ legislation,” she told the Herald.

“Sound planning enables a wide range of voices on planning applications to be heard, including those voicing environmental and community concerns, rather than enabling those in authority pre-determining outcomes through one-sided processes.

“It should also be noted that Auckland Council is working through stadium options for the region, and that this is a matter within its competence which does not need central government intervention.”

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark speaks at the Labour Party Campaign Launch, Aotea Centre, Auckland. 2nd September 2023. Photo / Sylvie Whinray 

Auckland Council’s general manager of planning and resource consents, John Duguid, said the council recently approved a resource consent application from Eden Park Trust to double the number of concerts that can be held in a calendar year from six to 12.

“The council is required to commence a review of Auckland’s planning rules at the end of 2026. Rules relating to concerts at Eden Park must be considered as part of that review,” Duguid said.

The new consent to host up to 12 concerts also states that up to six artists will be allowed to perform during the calendar year. There are several conditions, including that concerts must finish by 11pm on most days and 10.30pm on a Sunday not followed by a public holiday. Noise limits also remain in place.

The recent decision to increase the number of concerts was also welcome news for Auckland’s hospitality sector.

Hospitality NZ chief executive Steve Armitage said events such as concerts at Eden Park were “a real boost for local businesses, including hospitality and accommodation operators”.

“Our sector thrives when visitors come to our cities and towns. The run of Coldplay and Pearl Jam concerts in Auckland [late last year] brought the city to life, filling our venues and restaurants with visitors keen to experience more than just the music. Accommodation occupancies were also close to 90%.”

He said recent research from Massey University showed that for every dollar spent on a live performance, $3.20 was returned in benefits to the wider community.

“Auckland businesses in our sector will be ready to welcome locals and visitors heading to Eden Park and to make the most of the opportunities that more concerts will create,” Armitage said.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.