By Dave Goosselink
Controversy continues to follow Dunedin's new covered stadium.
The Dunedin City Council has ordered an independent review of the final cost of the Forsyth Barr Stadium, six months after it opened for business.
A report given to councillors this week raised serious questions over the amount spent on the venue, with Mayor Dave Cull hinting the excess could run into millions of dollars.
Forensic accountants from Pricewaterhouse Coopers will begin their review next week, at a cost of $55,000.
They will be combing through all the contracts and bills for the stadium, which opened in August near Dunedin's waterfront.
Mayor Dave Cull has ruled out the likelihood of any criminal or fraud-related charges, but said the lack of clarity and certainty around some figures prompted the review.
The original cost of the stadium including land purchases was $198 million, with the bulk of funding coming from the Dunedin City Council and Otago Regional Council.
Additional items were later added to the project cost, including the artificially strengthened turf, kitchen fit-outs, scoreboards, and replay screens. They were funded through trust grants, caterers, and the City Council.
Forsyth Barr Stadium has hosted a range of events including Wellington Phoenix and Highlanders matches, a concert by singer Elton John, the Masters Games, and student orientation gigs.
The results of the review are expected to be made public in late March.
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