‘‘New Zealand is unlikely to have many roofed stadia, so this is a decision that's exciting for everyone.''
Mr Tew, predictably, would not say approval for the stadium would lead to Carisbrook getting tests while the new stadium was being built, nor that the new stadium would be considered for Category A games.
The NZRU has allocated Carisbrook a Tri-Nations game in July, Dunedin's first test in three years, in recognition for the work being done on the new stadium.
The decision to go ahead with the new ground would ‘‘certainly be taken into account'' when looking at where tests would be allocated next year, Mr Tew said.
‘‘But I can't prejudge the work we have to do later in the year. There are a number of factors that go into allocating test matches in any given year.
‘‘We have to be conscious that every time we make an allocation decision, we make a financial decision as well.''
The NZRU will announce test venues for next year in August-September, Mr Tew said.
Whether Dunedin will regain Category A status with the new stadium, the only one in the country that can offer rugby under a roof, is likely to remain a bone of contention.
There are presently just two Category A tests - All Blacks against Lions, and All Blacks against Wallabies.
Dunedin has not hosted a Lions test since 1983 and, both because of the city's limited infrastructure and the fact there are only three Lions tests in New Zealand every 12 years, is unlikely to be considered again.
While the NZRU has expressed doubts over Dunedin's suitability for a Bledisloe Cup test, last held in the city in 2001, it has not ruled out the possibility of reviewing its Category A minimum standards if the new stadium presents a compelling case.
Mr Tew said he intended to send a note of congratulations to Carisbrook Stadium Trust chairman Malcolm Farry.
A cheque will not be included. The trust has to find $45.5 million from private contributions and will not get a cent from the NZRU.
‘‘We've got a very firm position. Other than the contribution to Eden Park, which was a critical part of a credible bid for the World Cup, we don't invest in stadia anywhere in New Zealand".
