Dunedin's brand spanking new Forsyth Barr Stadium was officially opened this morning with a Mana Whenua dawn blessing performed by local iwi and attended by Prime Minister, John Key. Members of the public watched on from the South Stand as speeches from Mayor Dave Cull and Chairman of the Carisbrook Stadium Trust, Malcolm Farry, acknowledged all the hard work and financial support given to ensure the success of the project. After the speeches concluded the Prime Minister unveiled a plaque that read - ‘My success is not the success of one, but because of the success of many.’
The formalities were followed by entertainment that included the City of Dunedin choir, City of Dunedin Pipeband, John McGlashan College Pipeband and a local kapa haka group. The stadium will be managed by Dunedin Venues and will get its first public workout over the weekend with a University College rugby match at noon today, and a Heartland Championship rugby match between North Otago & West Coast on Sunday.
