Keep the New Zealand Warriors' finals at Mt Smart Stadium
The Issue
Mount Smart Stadium is more than just a venue; it is the spiritual home of the New Zealand Warriors and a pillar of New Zealand rugby league. Its stands have held generations of passionate fans who have endured every high and low alongside their beloved team. It's where traditions have been upheld, rivalries played out, and victories celebrated. The thrill of a finals match at Mount Smart offers a unique sense of camaraderie and hometown pride that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
However, potential recent decisions by the NRL have deprived the Warriors and their supporters of their rightful home-field advantage by scheduling pivotal finals matches at Eden Park. While Eden Park is undoubtedly a magnificent stadium, it simply isn't the home of the Warriors. The atmosphere at Mount Smart is unparalleled—the whistles, cheers, and chants form a tapestry of support that echoes unmatched loyalty and faith in our team. For the players, there is no greater motivation than hearing the resounding support from those who know every play, every chant, every game day ritual.
Research has shown that playing at one's home stadium significantly increases the chances of winning. Home-field advantage is a real and measurable benefit. It’s more than geography; it’s about morale, fan connection, and comfort. It's about stepping onto the grass where legends walked, where historic moments were forged. Moving the venue for such pivotal moments takes away all that the fans and players have cherished, the very essence of what it means to wear the Warriors' jersey.
We understand the logistical and financial considerations involved in such decisions. However, these considerations should not overshadow the heart and spirit of the game. The true value lies not in the number of seats sold but in the roar of passionate fans who bleed the team’s colours.
We call on Peter V’landys and the NRL to recognise the significance of Mount Smart Stadium to the Warriors’ identity. We ask for all Warriors finals matches in 2026 and beyond to be played at their home ground. Let us preserve the integrity and essence of the game by keeping its most significant moments in the place that shapes them.
The heart of the Warriors beats strongest at Mount Smart. It’s time to bring our finals home.
Sign this petition to show your support for the New Zealand Warriors and help keep their finals matches at Mount Smart Stadium, where they belong.
6
The Issue
Mount Smart Stadium is more than just a venue; it is the spiritual home of the New Zealand Warriors and a pillar of New Zealand rugby league. Its stands have held generations of passionate fans who have endured every high and low alongside their beloved team. It's where traditions have been upheld, rivalries played out, and victories celebrated. The thrill of a finals match at Mount Smart offers a unique sense of camaraderie and hometown pride that cannot be replicated elsewhere.
However, potential recent decisions by the NRL have deprived the Warriors and their supporters of their rightful home-field advantage by scheduling pivotal finals matches at Eden Park. While Eden Park is undoubtedly a magnificent stadium, it simply isn't the home of the Warriors. The atmosphere at Mount Smart is unparalleled—the whistles, cheers, and chants form a tapestry of support that echoes unmatched loyalty and faith in our team. For the players, there is no greater motivation than hearing the resounding support from those who know every play, every chant, every game day ritual.
Research has shown that playing at one's home stadium significantly increases the chances of winning. Home-field advantage is a real and measurable benefit. It’s more than geography; it’s about morale, fan connection, and comfort. It's about stepping onto the grass where legends walked, where historic moments were forged. Moving the venue for such pivotal moments takes away all that the fans and players have cherished, the very essence of what it means to wear the Warriors' jersey.
We understand the logistical and financial considerations involved in such decisions. However, these considerations should not overshadow the heart and spirit of the game. The true value lies not in the number of seats sold but in the roar of passionate fans who bleed the team’s colours.
We call on Peter V’landys and the NRL to recognise the significance of Mount Smart Stadium to the Warriors’ identity. We ask for all Warriors finals matches in 2026 and beyond to be played at their home ground. Let us preserve the integrity and essence of the game by keeping its most significant moments in the place that shapes them.
The heart of the Warriors beats strongest at Mount Smart. It’s time to bring our finals home.
Sign this petition to show your support for the New Zealand Warriors and help keep their finals matches at Mount Smart Stadium, where they belong.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 7 September 2026