Stadium opponent and city councillor Chris Staynes has called on the people of Dunedin to make Otago Stadium a success.
Cr Staynes, who on Monday was one of four councillors who voted against the city council signing a stadium construction contract, said it was now time for the city's residents to move forward together.
‘‘We have debated the issue, voted and made a decision. Now, assuming the High Court clears the way for it to proceed, there is nothing we can or should do to stop it,'' Cr Staynes said.
Given the ‘‘magnitude'' of the stadium project, his role on council was now to ‘‘make sure its impact on the city is as positive as it can be''.
He would be working to minimise the impact of the project on rates, ensure the revenue from the stadium was strong and that the community ‘‘gets as much benefit as possible''.
He called on everyone to do the same.
‘‘This battle has divided the community. All of us need to now put that behind us . . . we need to move on.
‘‘I would hope the community recognises that is what we now need to do.''
Cr Staynes said he had consistently opposed the stadium because he did not believe the timing was right for such a large project.
‘‘But once the cost is behind us and forgotten, I think it will be seen as a great asset.''
Carisbrook Stadium Trust chairman Malcolm Farry said Cr Staynes had voiced his intention to support the project directly after the council voted on Monday.
It was an important gesture, Mr Farry said.
‘‘Cr Staynes' attitude was commendable,'' Mr Farry said.
‘‘It gives a good lead to the community. If there is anything we now need it is for the community to adopt this as its own and make it the success it will surely be.''
If the High Court decision, expected tomorrow, rules in the council's favour, contractors Hawkins Construction would be on site ‘‘early in May'', Mr Farry said.
‘‘From that point on we will see site work and demolition, with construction due to start in June.''
