By Katarina Williams
Vodafone says it would "seriously consider" sponsoring a new waterfront stadium in Auckland.
There's been renewed interest in the construction of a purpose-built central city stadium, a decade after a plan for a $500 million-plus arena was scrapped ahead of the 2011 Rugby World Cup.
Speaking to Paul Henry this morning, Prime Minister John Key ruled out any taxpayer funding for the project should it be given the green light.
But Vodafone chief executive, Russell Stanners, has expressed interest in supporting the new venture, confirming the telecommunications giant is already "in talks with other individuals and organisations" who are backing this stadium proposal.
"We believe this project would enhance the vibrancy of central Auckland and New Zealand sport," Mr Stanners said.
"We have a unique opportunity before us…constructing a new multi-code, multi-purpose venue on the Auckland waterfront would present New Zealand with a once [in] a lifetime opportunity to build a stadium of the future -- one of the most technologically advanced in the world."
Vodafone said the stadium could be shared between the Warriors, the Blues and could also be used for football matches.
Warriors owner and richlister, Eric Watson, has also expressed interest in the concept and told Paul Henry it should be an issue in this year's local body elections.
Newshub.
