Hagley Oval: Canterbury’s future home of test cricket?

Abstract

The provision of recreational facilities is among the more important functions of local government. Their scale and location are often controversial as they can have significant positive and adverse effects on a community. Cricket is traditionally New Zealand’s summer game, often televised and contributing to the culture of the nation through the deeds of its top players (including Sir Richard Hadlee, a Cantabrian who was knighted for his services to cricket), and controversies like the under-arm bowling incident (Australia vs NZ, 1981). It should therefore come as no surprise that seeking a new home for test cricket in Christchurch has created significant debate and been a subject of great interest for planners. This article places the issue in historical context and briefly reviews the range of options considered before evaluating the final choice based on the relevant planning matters.