America’s Cup: NZ Government and ETNZ in uneasy negotiations over 38th Match location
by Richard Gladwell/Sail-World.com/nz 21 Oct 05:02 PDT
Part of the 20,000 fans who packed the Viaduct Harbour area for the 2021 America’s Cup © Richard Gladwell / Sail-World.com / nz
Following the recent victory of the America’s Cup, discussions surfaced regarding New Zealand’s possible hosting of the 38th Defense during the Prime Minister’s weekly Media Conference on Monday afternoon (NZT), held in Wellington.
NZ Prime Minister, Christopher Luxon, who leads a tri-party coalition government, commenced the session by congratulating various NZ sports teams that had celebrated significant wins over the weekend.
When asked about hosting the 38th America’s Cup, he indicated that they were willing to consider a proposal from the team, expressing a desire to resolve the issue swiftly.
He clarified that Emirates Team NZ would need to submit a formal proposal to host the event in New Zealand. In an interview last week in Barcelona, Emirates Team NZ CEO Grant Dalton emphasized that it was essential for the NZ Government to initiate contact regarding this matter.
“It exemplifies New Zealand’s sporting spirit at its finest, showcasing our technology remarkably. Ultimately, though, the decision lies with Team New Zealand,” he stated.
“We are open to any proposal they wish to present. However, I must recognize that New Zealand is currently facing challenging times, and this must be balanced against other priorities we need to address for New Zealanders,” the former Air NZ CEO noted.
“It will be up to Team New Zealand to choose the location for the Cup, and we are receptive to receiving their proposal.
“It is crucial that we move through this process promptly to provide clarity to everyone involved.
“From observing past conversations, it seems the decision about where it will be hosted lies with Team New Zealand. If they present a proposal, the government will genuinely evaluate it alongside our other priorities,” he added.
In recent interviews with New Zealand media in Barcelona, Grant Dalton reiterated that any approach needed to come from the NZ Government, moving away from the contentious situation following the 2021 America’s Cup win, where Team New Zealand’s financial requests were misrepresented by mainstream media, causing a heated debate.
The NZ political landscape has shifted since March 2021. The Labour Government was voted out in the 2023 election, losing many Auckland seats, which endured 185 days of lockdown during the 2021 America’s Cup. New Zealand barred entry during lockdowns, allowing only a few team members and officials to enter. Those who arrived faced mandatory two-week hotel quarantine under strict military supervision, which greatly affected the expected economic benefits from the regatta and related events.
Additionally, the Auckland Mayoralty has changed hands, with the current Mayor, Wayne Brown, a sailor and longtime boat owner, reforming a previously dysfunctional Auckland Council.
Current Opposition Leader, Chris Hipkins, has recently expressed support for government backing to host the America’s Cup in Auckland. Serving as Labour Prime Minister from 1999-2008, and now Patron of Emirates Team New Zealand, he asserted several times that New Zealand should indeed host the 38th America’s Cup.
Should a deadlock arise regarding which party initiates the hosting discussion, Simon Bridges, a former National Party leader and respected government minister now heading the Auckland Chamber of Commerce, might serve as a potential mediator.
In the meantime, Auckland Council is planning the future use of Wynyard Point, reclaimed land once used for fuel and hazardous materials, now transformed into spaces for America’s Cup teams. Emirates Team New Zealand has taken over the lease from the former INEOS Britannia base, relocating from their previous site at the Viaduct Events Centre. The redevelopment proposal includes transforming the area previously occupied by two America’s Cup teams and a large marina, lined with cafes and bars, into a coastal space filled with native plants.
The preliminary timeline for construction is set to begin “by the end of 2024.”
SailGP Auckland is set to utilize the area next January, followed by the Auckland Boat Show. Premium waterfront tickets for the New Zealand SailGP event have already sold out, three months ahead of time.
