Mayor defends Olivia Dean concert running past curfew

Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has defended Olivia Dean’s concert for running 22 minutes past its 11pm curfew at Western Springs Bowl. Brown stated the city should not make "a drama out of an extra 22 minutes" and suggested most attendees would have preferred the extension over a shortened show.

The sold-out concert, which was the first major test for the revamped venue, was delayed by a 40-minute technical interruption. Auckland Stadiums director James Parkinson said the agency is discussing the ramifications with Auckland Council and will cooperate with their process.

Auckland Council is investigating the breach and has confirmed that an infringement fee could be $1200. Mervyn Chetty, the council’s head of licensing and environmental health, noted that Auckland Stadiums advised the council on Saturday night that technical issues would cause the overrun.

The delay meant some public transport services had ended before concertgoers departed. While one nearby resident complained to noise control, an attending officer was unable to detect any noise at 11.28pm.

How it developed

• Mon 19 Oct, 4:41pmThe council is meeting with organisers, including Tataki Auckland Unlimited and Auckland Stadiums, to decide on enforcement action.

Where reports differ

• Attendance estimates varied between 40,000 and 45,000 people

Compiled from reports by Otago Daily Times, NZ Herald, Stuff and RNZ.