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.
