If you were at North Harbour Stadium on Saturday night, you know what a night it was.

I was right there, wedged between boisterous supporters, hot chips in one hand, and trying not to spill my drink as Moana Pasifika stunned the Auckland Blues 27-21.

Ardie Savea was everywhere—leading his team like a force of nature.

Every tackle, every run—it was electric.

The crowd? Packed.

The atmosphere? Pure magic.

A sea of fans and team flags waving frantically, young and old cheering together, and a roar that makes you feel part of something big.

This is what live sport is all about.

So why don’t we see more of it at North Harbour Stadium?

It’s only 15 minutes down the motorway for Coasties, but big games are rare.

Part of the problem is the stadium’s future is up in the air.

Auckland Council is exploring three options:

1. Keep the Stadium As Is – but this means spending around $33 million on maintenance over the next decade.
2. Redevelop the Site – creating a smaller, more community-focused venue, potentially funded through land sales.
3. Change Management – bringing in new operators to boost the stadium’s financial performance and community engagement.

North Harbour Stadium, Albany.

For us Coasties, it’s not just about having a place to watch the big games.

It’s about keeping a great venue alive—one that brings in crowds, boosts local businesses, and gives us a place to cheer together.

If you love live sport, now’s the time to have your say.

Auckland Council is the one making the call—so why not share your thoughts?

Because if you want more Saturday night thrillers just down the motorway, your voice matters.

Seen something local we should cover?

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