Agreement reached on America’s Cup venue

An agreement has been struck on the Auckland waterfront venue that will host the 36th America’s Cup, including the division of costs and the payment of a hosting fee.

New Zealand Economic Development Minister David Parker, Auckland Council and Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) reached agreement in principle earlier this week securing the America’s Cup defence for New Zealand in 2021.

Commenting on the agreement, Minister Parker stated “I am very pleased to advise that we have succeeded in negotiating a venue on the Auckland waterfront that all New Zealanders can be proud of. It significantly reduces the intrusion into the harbour at the lowest practical cost.

“The event will also deliver economic benefits to Auckland and the country.”

 “Our work in reaching this point has seen a major cost reduction for taxpayers and Auckland ratepayers of more than $50 million, compared to other options. This is a fantastic achievement and testament to the time and effort we have invested to reach the best outcome possible,” Mr Parker says.

Minister Parker thanked ETNZ for their cooperative approach that helped achieve the final outcome.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said New Zealand could now look forward to hosting the event, adding “it’s good for Auckland and great for Kiwis who will get to experience in person the thrill of an America’s Cup in 2021 and cheer our team on.

“We have agreed a base configuration that is less expensive than previous options and requires a much smaller extension into the harbour. It allows the earlier removal of hazardous substance tanks from the southern part of the Point, is more straightforward to consent, will be quicker to construct and creates a positive legacy for Auckland.”

The location, known as Wynyard-Hobson, has evolved from several options on the table. It entails only about 6,600 metre² intrusion into the harbour at Hobson Wharf, compared to 9,900 metre² under the earlier Point Halsey option.

Other options had envisaged intrusions of 22,800 metre².

ETNZ will occupy the Viaduct Events Centre, while Luna Rossa will be offered the place on the extended Hobson Wharf. The remaining bases will be located on Wynyard Wharf.

The expected contributions are $114 million from the Crown including a $40 million host contribution fee, and $98.5million from Auckland Council.

The funding agreement also sets out key financial reporting milestones, governance processes and other safeguards for the Government and Council’s investment.

The agreement details the timing of three events.

They are the America’s Cup Christmas Race December 2020 the America’s Cup Challenger Selection Series in January-February 2021 and the 36th America’s Cup match in March 2021.

A resource consent application will be lodged in early April. 

1st May 2017 - LEADING SPORTS PERFORMANCE INNOVATIONS ON SHOW AT AUCKLAND FORUM

20th April 2015 - AUCKLAND LOSES AMERICA’S CUP CO-HOSTING STATUS ROLE

11th December 2014 - $30 MILLION INVESTMENT TO BOOST AUCKLAND’S STADIUMS 

31st August 2013 - TEAM NEW ZEALAND WIN GOOD FOR ECONOMY

8th February 2011 - WATERFRONT DEVELOPMENT TO BOOST AUCKLAND  

15th June 2010 - NEW WATERFRONT ATTRACTIONS FOR AUCKLAND’S WYNYARD QUARTER

Asking a small favour
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

The news we publish at www.ausleisure.com.au is independent, credible (we hope) and free for you to access, with no pay walls and no annoying pop-up ads.

However, as an independent publisher, can we ask for you to support us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine - if you don't already do so.

Published bi-monthly since 1997, the printed Australasian Leisure Management differs from this website in that it publishes longer, in-depth and analytical features covering aquatics, attractions, entertainment, events, fitness, parks, recreation, sport, tourism and venues management.

Subscriptions cost just $90 a year.

Click here to subscribe.