Ponsonby Rugby Club calls for support to stay at Western Springs.
Ponsonby Rugby Club is today calling on Auckland Council and the wider community to recognise a simple truth: there is no simple alternative to Western Springs Stadium.
Having proudly produced more All Blacks than any other in the country, Ponsonby Rugby, or the ‘Ponies’ as they’re known, is a serious player in helping to condition and grow high-performance All Blacks and Black Ferns from the grassroots.
With over 1,000 registered members and a 150-year history, Ponsonby Rugby says it cannot relocate to inadequate or already over-capacity sites without significantly compromising its service to the community.
“Let’s be clear, there’s nowhere for us to go. The alternatives presented to us by Council are not big enough and will stunt our growth as a community club,” says Greg Edmonds, Ponsonby Rugby Club chairman.
Cox’s Bay Reserve: A challenging option
Much has been made of relocating the Club to Cox’s Bay Reserve, but the reality on the ground tells a different story.
“We already use Cox’s Bay to its limits. It’s full. Moving the entire Club there - with 1,000 members, dozens of weekly games, and training sessions - would overwhelm the area,” says Greg.
With limited parking and legal protections under the Reserves Act, Cox’s Bay has serious drawbacks.
The Outer Fields: Inadequate and ill-equipped
The Outer Fields at Western Springs have been suggested as an alternative, but lack essential infrastructure such as parking, training areas, proper lighting, and a place to house the Tan, the Club’s indoor training facility.
“We would be losing field space we already use, with no room for proper changing rooms, let alone growth. It’s a downgrade disguised as a solution,” says Greg.
AFC has viable alternatives, but we don’t
While Auckland FC has two strong stadium alternatives in Go Media Stadium and North Harbour Stadium, both set to lose leases and bookings if this option proceeds, Ponsonby Rugby has none.
“We’re not opposing progress. But progress shouldn’t come at the cost of community. We’re not billionaires; we’re volunteers, coaches, and families. We just want to continue doing what we’ve done for 150 years - growing the game, growing people, and growing Auckland,” says Greg.
The proposal: Upgrade, don’t uproot
Instead of relocation, Ponsonby Rugby proposes transforming Western Springs into a true community sports hub, with:
- Expanded clubrooms and proper facilities
- More usable fields with adequate lighting
- Community-friendly rates and open access
- Space to support netball, basketball, touch, and cultural events
“We have the numbers, we have the heritage, and we have the plan. What we need now is the Council’s commitment to back a club that backs Auckland,” says Greg.
www.ponsonbyrugby.co.nz
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