A speedway event at Western Springs. Photo: Photosport
An Auckland councillor and mayoral candidate has changed her mind on shutting down Western Springs Speedway.
Last year, Auckland Council voted to move speedway from Western Springs Stadium - its home for almost 100 years - to Onehunga's Waikaraka Park.
At the time, councillor Kerrin Leoni, who is standing against incumbent mayor Wayne Brown in this year's Auckland mayoral election, told RNZ that having speedway at Western Springs was too costly for ratepayers.
Mayoral candidate Kerrin Leoni. Photo: Supplied
However, speaking to RNZ on Thursday, she said she did not have all the information at the time of voting.
"The mayor didn't allow [Western Springs] Speedway [Association] to present to us before making that decision.
"I've spoken to people from the speedway since then and have learnt quite a lot more. If I had that information, my vote actually would've been different."
The association was seeking a 30-year lease to keep speedway at the stadium. Members argued the stadium could also be used for a variety of purposes, including concerts and community sports.
Leoni believed speedway, Ponsonby Rugby Club, and concert promoters sharing the stadium's costs and revenues could be profitable.
She also proposed appointing a venue manager to maximise usage of the stadium.
"The mayor has suggested along with Tātaki (Auckland's economic and cultural agency) that model was running at a loss. We know speedway would need a promoter to take over the management.
"As long as the numbers add up and council is not going into any deficit, we should be supporting that as an option."
The council had already consulted the public on three options for the future of the stadium this year, including maintaining the status quo.
But plans were derailed and a decision was postponed until after local elections after Auckland Football Club pulled their proposal, which was the council's preferred option.
Leoni said there would be another public consultation on the future of the stadium in her first 100 days if she was elected as mayor, and a decision would be made by mid-2026.
"After 97 years Western Springs Speedway is part of Auckland's story. We need to honour that heritage and give Aucklanders a chance to give feedback on that."
When approached for comment on Leoni's statements, a spokesperson for the Wayne Brown campaign said he "looked forward to her presenting a comprehensive and fully costed plan to back her claims".
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited have been contacted for comment.
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