America’s Cup – golden opportunity missed

“The news that Auckland is unable to proceed with a bid to host the next America’s Cup in 2027 is seriously disheartening. This was a golden opportunity to utilise purpose-built infrastructure and reap a timely economic return”, said Viv Beck, Chief Executive, Heart of the City.  

“It is frustrating that ongoing representation to government about the need for urgency in resolving a sustainable funding mechanism for major events has not yet delivered an outcome. Getting this funding in place must be fast-tracked so missing out to well-funded bidders competing for other major events doesn’t become the norm.”

Heart of the City understands that money is tight, and that the Government has other priorities. However, growth is also a key priority.

Beck says that “This is an event that would bring thousands of people to our waterfront and a boost in business for hotels and local businesses while it’s on. It also brings national benefits - international tourists venture out around the country and there are tangible opportunities for jobs and trade, as well as profiling New Zealand’s marine innovation and technology”.

Requoting a comment made six months ago when New Zealand won in Barcelona, “if there is quick action now and some imagination in how it could be funded, it would be great to get our country’s mojo back with a massive event like this to look forward to”.

-ENDS-