Logistics, LoyalGunner, pure and simple.
OFC is based at Mt. Smart Stadium in Auckland, for starters.
As well, if OFC is bringing folk in from far and wide to play in this match, it's a lot easier for them financially and logistically to have them congregate in Auckland, rather than sort out connecting flights, etc., in order to effectively shift an entire organisation to another location, solely for the purposes of playing in an exhibition match.
And if Auckland Regional Council is committing itself financially to this exercise, then it would be rather dumb not to play the game anywhere else but Auckland, don't you think?
BTW, LoneGunmen, your rant is out of order where this topic is concerned, given NZF aren't even in the picture re this issue. The fact that Wynton Rufer is set to play a part further underlines the national body's non-involvement.
NZF and the NZ game's most feted international aren't exactly common bedfellows, haven't been for some time, and sadly, it's a situation which I don't envisage will ever change. There are too many philosophical differences between the parties concerned for a harmonious long-term relationship to become a reality, no matter how much we'd like to see such a thing happen.
Cheers,
JR