First up, our athletes across the board, compete
successfully at the highest international level which provides inspirational
diversions at a time when we most need them. It is no surprise then, that our
greatest sports men and women receive the highest honours when it comes time to
reward those who have made our mundane lives that much more enjoyable. We can
all share in their achievements, no matter what our position on the social
ladder or status in the community. For an hour or so, we are as one.
Fortunately, unlike some other countries where “woke” philosophy is destroying the non political aspect of world sport, we seem to be able to keep a lid on the politics. But unfortunately, we may not be able to withstand the pressure for too much longer as the international governing sporting bodies rush to adopt laws that are the antithesis of competitions based on equality.
We recently got a taste of what is to come when our own
trans athlete Laurel Hubbard was allowed to compete at the Olympics in a class
for which she was biologically unsuited. It was a regrettable experience for
all involved, not least for those of us who squirmed with embarrassment as one
of our own was attempting to take unfair advantage and win on an un-level
playing field. Thankfully, but not surprisingly, she lost.
The Aussie elections saw the debate about trans athletes
also reach ridiculous heights when it negatively influenced the result in at
least one electorate and possibly even the outcome of the election itself.
This brings me back to the Christchurch Stadium and the
problems they are having with dopey thinking of a different kind.
It is all happening because politics is being allowed to
dictate the outcome of what should have been a “no brainer” decision about
costs.
Here’s how l see it.
Having made the political decision to spend ratepayers
money on a new stadium which, in principal was well received, the council
should have then focussed solely on getting best value in the finished product
for the bucks spent and future generations who will enjoy the facility.
Maybe, l’m being too simplistic here but it seems to me
that, in achieving that goal, the highest priority should be given to :
a) optimum seating capacity
The only way that this expenditure will be justified will
be if it serves the purpose of providing a facility with the capacity for
hosting large events.
And it should be remembered that rugby and cricket are
not the only ones that will fill the stadium - music concerts that cater for 50
or 60,000 are more likely to make it pay its way.
It is clear that in order to provide that facility, a
stadium with a 30,000 seating capacity will be too small for any number of
modern rock concerts.
Music lovers have been turning out in stratospheric
numbers (70,000 plus) for years in this country to hear their favourite bands
and artists.
b) fit for purpose construction
Why is it that the one thing that appears to be causing
the cost overruns and limiting the seating capacity of the Christchurch new
build is the need for an all weather facility.
I’m not a stadium architect but my guess would be that we
could easily increase the seating capacity of this “must have” by at least
another 10,000 seats if we spent money saved from redesigning it with a semi
covered roof like both Eden Park and the Wellington Cake Tin .
How many times have major events been delayed, postponed
or cancelled because of inclement weather. I can’t remember one.
It is no surprise then that virtually all of the major
stadiums throughout the world are only partially covered and there seems to be
no enthusiasm for changing that ingredient when building new facilities - bums
on seats are the only reason why they can continue to operate at no cost to the
taxpayer.
Christchurch should reconsider this logic before the
first turf is dug.
They won’t regret it.
Clive Bibby is a commentator, consultant, farmer and
community leader, who lives in Tolaga Bay.
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