Not one Otago regional councillor has come out against the Awatea St stadium, but most say they want to finish consultation before forming a view on the project.
The council has been asked for $37.5 million by the Carisbrook Stadium Trust but a majority of submissions to the council's annual plan argued against the council contribution.
Most councillors spoken to yesterday by the Otago Daily Times said the council was in the consultation process and they had to wait for that to be completed before forming a view on the stadium.
Though no-one came out against the stadium, many raised concerns about funding, especially in worsening economic times.
The council had included the funding in its annual plan and long-term council community plan.
The plan process had attracted 322 submissions, with about 230 commenting on the stadium. A significant majority of those said "no" to the proposal.
Submissions have been heard during the past week and a-half throughout the region.
Cr Sam Neill, of Dunedin, came out in full support of the stadium yesterday, saying he appreciated and respected the views of those making submissions, but the project should continue.
Council chairman Stephen Cairns, of Dunedin, confirmed an earlier statement, saying philosophically the proposal could be of long-term benefit for the region but there were questions about funding.
The council was likely to have a workshop next week to discuss submissions, as only half the council sat on the panel hearing them.
A report would be presented to the council's finance and corporate committee on June 11, and then the full council on June 25.
Councillors' comments
Council chairman Stephen Cairns: "Philosophically, I can see this proposal could be of a long-term benefit to the region, but there are a number of questions we need answered."
Deputy chairman Stephen Woodhead: "I support the concept but whether we can make it work and how we are going to pay for it is still something to look at. We are still walking through the consultation process."
Cr Duncan Butcher: "We are going through a consultation process. I support going through that process and then we'll see where we are at."
Cr Gerry Eckhoff: "We will have to wait and see what all these 300-odd submitters have to say. We can't pre-determine anything until we consider all the submissions. But there is a very strong requirement for councils to be fiscally prudent and conservative."
Cr David Shepherd: "For a long time I have supported the stadium but we have to respect the views of what has been said. I haven't made up my mind."
Cr Michael Deaker: "I'm taking careful note of what the Otago region is telling me. My own idea was I supported the project but from what we've heard in the past week I don't know whether I still can."
Cr Gretchen Robertson: "I have no personal view on the stadium. We are right in the middle of a consultation process and it would be unfair to speak now."
Cr Sam Neill: "I do support the stadium. I am aware there has been an economic downturn but I'm not convinced that should push us away from it."
Cr Bryan Scott: "I have got no comment at this stage. I understand the arguments for and against and it will be hard to make my mind up."
Cr Doug Brown: "I certainly support the concept and it has some real advantages but funding is a real issue."
Cr Louise Croot: "I am still waiting to hear back from the annual plan report. But things are changing week to week and we have a real difficult situation with the economy."
