Alex Timmings (9), of Maori Hill School, said he came up with the idea to collect the signatures himself, and yesterday he handed the result to Carisbrook Stadium Trust chairman Malcolm Farry.
Alex, who plays rugby for the Kaikorai club, said he took his petition to every classroom at the school, and attained the final figure with the help of teachers and parents.
He said most people were keen to sign.
Asked why he began the project, he said he believed rugby in Dunedin would die without a new stadium.
Creating a petition was the best way to draw people's attention to the issue.
His father, Barry Timmings, a chartered accountant and Tourism Dunedin director, said the petition was his son's idea.
His children were encouraged to think for themselves.
Mr Farry said the trust was moving its offices to Dowling St next week, and the petition would be displayed there.
