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The Government is proposing to lift restrictions on the number of events allowed at Eden Park, saying current planning rules are limiting Auckland’s economic growth and costing hundreds of jobs.
An investigative report released by RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop found that limits on concerts and sporting fixtures at the stadium could cost Auckland an estimated $432 million in lost income and 751 fewer jobs over the next decade.
“Eden Park is a vital asset for Auckland and for New Zealand,” Bishop says.
“Restrictive local planning rules are stifling Eden Park’s ability to drive economic growth and create jobs.”
The report recommends increasing the number of large concerts to 12 a year, allowing 20 medium-sized events, and introducing greater flexibility around timing, duration, and types of activities. Proposed changes would also enable more community, cultural, and trade events, and remove size limits for conferences and large functions.
Current rules restrict Eden Park to a total of 12 concerts annually, cap the size of functions at 2,000 attendees, and limit the scheduling of night-time sporting events, particularly on Sundays.
“These rules were originally put in place to balance community concerns around noise and traffic,” Mr Bishop says.
“However, it’s important they remain fit for purpose and do not unnecessarily hold back Auckland’s event and tourism sectors.”
He says concerts alone can generate millions for the local economy, citing 14 major shows over three years that injected $33.7 million into Auckland.
Public consultation and feedback on the proposed rule changes is open until 19 November 2025 via the Ministry for the Environment’s online consultation hub.
