Dunedin stadium debate may go to court 

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Dunedin's big debate over whether to build a new covered stadium may be headed to court.

In an 11th hour move, opponents are seeking a High Court injunction to stop the city council making its final decision on Monday.

Whether or not the city should get a new covered stadium is Dunedin's hottest topic.

Debate over whether to build the $200 million stadium to replace Carisbrook has dragged on for years.

For the Dunedin City Council, Monday is scheduled to be final decision day.

The Stop the Stadium group says it believes the council will be acting illegally if it signs the contract for the project on Monday.

Encouraged by growing opposition at marches and meetings, stadium opponents are now seeking a judicial review.

They claim the council has not adequately consulted with ratepayers who will have to pay the major share of the bill.

"They haven't followed due process and we have filed papers in the High Court so that this can be heard," says Bev Butler of Stop the Stadium.

Dunedin Mayor Peter Chin says with legal action now pending it's difficult to comment.

He says the city's response to the court move will not be clear until councillors gather for a private briefing on Monday morning.

Dunedin's stadium debate goes on an end is now less clearly in sight.