Tātaki Auckland Unlimited says Auckland is unable to proceed with a bid to host the next America’s Cup in 2027.
In a statement, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) chief executive Nick Hill confirmed the news with “great disappointment” this morning.
“Auckland’s bid was contingent on a three-way funding partnership between Auckland Council, central government and the private sector. MBIE has informed TAU that the government is unable provide the funds required and on that basis the bid cannot proceed,” he said.
Why the govt decided not to fund hosting the Cup: Watch on TVNZ+
He said the situation illustrates the need for “a long-term sustainable funding model in New Zealand to support major events”.
“Major events generate significant economic, cultural and social benefits for the country, including increased tourism, job creation and international profile,” Hill said.
“The TAU team has worked incredibly hard to try and make this opportunity work for Auckland; we already have the infrastructure and major events expertise in place and really wanted to be able to host our sailors on home waters.”
Emirates Team New Zealand responds
Team NZ successfully defended the Auld Mug in Barcelona in October last year.
“Since winning the 37th America’s Cup in October last year, The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand has been intent on exploring the possibility of hosting the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland with the understanding it would take a combination of private backing, Local Government as well as Central Government support to make it happen, but not at the expense of funding other priorities in the tough economic climate.
“In this time, the team have had comfort in the level of private support and have been working with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited who have been proactively spearheading the bid. So, it is with both disappointment and understanding to hear MBIE and Central Government have decided not to back the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2027,” it said.
“While the significant economic benefits of hosting the America’s Cup and other major events are well proven, such as NZ$1.9 billion (€1.034 billion) of economic benefits in Barcelona in 2024, we understand there are other priorities for the New Zealand Government right now.”
‘Disappointing blow’ for hospitality sector
Hospitality New Zealand chief executive Steve Armitage said the confirmation was a “disappointing blow” for the hospitality and accommodation sectors.
He said large-scale events played a crucial role in supporting New Zealand’s economy, particularly for industries that rely on visitor spending.
“Major events like the America’s Cup drive demand across the host city, from hotel bookings to restaurants, bars and cafés. The flow-on benefits touch almost every part of the hospitality sector, and so many other sectors.”
Armitage said people often to travel to New Zealand and beyond for major events, “generating economic benefits that are felt across the country”.
“A national strategy is what’s needed to give councils, event organisers and businesses the certainty they need to plan and invest. Without that, our sector, and many others, continue to operate in an uncertain environment that undermines long-term recovery and growth.”
