Everyone has an opinion on the waterfront stadium proposed for Auckland. The idea is to build a national stadium to host the World Cup in 2011, as well as many other events. The alternative is Eden Park, and if not that, then Jade Stadium in Auckland.

There have been many, many polls on this. TV3 did one on 3 News and showed more people are against the waterfront stadium. NZ Herald had one released the next day showing the same thing.

One News has been holding a poll all week (they also keep stating that it is not scientific - well done on TVNZ for not making out it is) and have shown an interesting result. While overall more are in favour of Eden Park, there is a very clear split between the phone/text voters, and the online voters. The phone ones (which are 0900 numbers and xx cents per text) has about 35% in favour of the waterfront. The online one (which of course is free on TVNZ.co.nz) has 65% in favour. The final poll result will be shown on One News tonight at 6.

I guess the poll is showing exactly what an unscientific 0900/mail-in poll is like. Because you have to pay, only those with very strong opinions (which are usually those against things), would bother voting. I’d believe the online poll more, as while there is self-selection still present, the deterrent of having to pay is removed.

One more thing that some people are pointing out - not everyone knows the full picture. Russell Brown as summarised it pretty well:

But let’s look at what’s actually proposed: the wharf around the stadium will be a public concourse; there will be bars and restaurants lining the area. At the end of the wharf, I would think, you’d feel like you were actually out on the harbour. Viewed from Devonport, all lit up at night, I imagine the structure would look stunning. Like Eden Park, it would house function rooms and venues, its glass walls opening up a harbour vista. Unlike Eden Park, the facilities could be used as often as anyone wanted them.

Outside, Quay Street is wide enough to be closed off as a pedestrian boulevard for major events, and still have room for a dedicated bus and taxi lane. There are 20,000-odd carparks within walking distance, a bus depot and a railway station. Any transit investment made in the area will also work for the Vector Arena and the Viaduct.

I’m kind of for the waterfront option myself. It’ll be much better than the current ports. My only concern is how long is it going to take to build? After they make the choice, they have to rush legislation through parliament so it can be weaseled out of the Resource Management Act. And then what happens if it isn’t built on time? I think this should have all been discussed during the RWC2011 proposal.