'Significant earthquake risk' sees Taranaki's Yarrow Stadium closed

  • 06/06/2018

Taranaki's Yarrow Stadium will be closed for the foreseeable future due to tests revealing a significant earthquake risk at the grounds.

That means the New Plymouth stadium will no longer be the home base for the Taranaki Bulls for the Mitre 10 Cup.

Recent geotechnical tests revealed the ground stability under the stadium's West Stand posed a "significant earthquake risk".

The testing was commissioned after a report in November 2017 revealed the stadium's East Stand was also earthquake-prone, after which it closed.

"It's a real blow and we apologise to everyone involved," Taranaki Stadium Trust trustee Mike Nield said.

"The Trust informed key partners, including the Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU), of the report's findings yesterday."

He said it was too early to speculate on the next steps for the stadium.

"We remain committed to having a facility in Taranaki capable of hosting top-flight sporting events," Mr Nield said.

"We'll be looking at our options, and while the loss of Yarrow for 2018 is a setback, it gives us opportunities to look at some of the different choices available to us."

TRFU chief executive Jeremy Parkinson said in a statement said the organisation is now looking for an alternative venue that can cater to "commercial and hospitality partners, as well as our longstanding season members".  

"Your patience and understanding would be greatly appreciated as we work through this significant disruption," Mr Parkinson said.

"The Taranaki Rugby Football Union appreciate your continued support and we will keep you across all updates as they become available."

Newshub.