Mayor Phil Mauger has thrown his support behind the proposal to establish an NRL team in Christchurch.
The idea, presented to the Christchurch City Council by two sporting groups, promises to inject millions of dollars into the local economy annually.
In an interview with chrislynchmedia.com, Mayor Mauger said, “I want Christchurch to be the sporting events capital of New Zealand, and if an NRL team helps achieve that, it’s fantastic. It will provide more use for our stadium.”
Mauger emphasised the economic benefits, saying, “It’ll bring more people into town and boost the city’s economy. However, I hope the sporting groups aren’t expecting council funding, as our resources are already stretched thin.”
“Once the stadium is finished, which is now just past the halfway point, it will be on time and on budget.”
