The SailGP regatta set down for Auckland next year has been called off after central government declined to commit the funding required to stage it.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill expressed disappointment at the outcome, saying Auckland had invested considerable effort in laying the groundwork for the event.
"Auckland did everything to get this event across the line including resolving date issues, committing funds and meeting land and infrastructure requirements. We worked incredibly hard to try and make this happen and are committed to SailGP returning to the Waitematā Harbour in future years," Hill said in a written response.
Auckland's host city offer had depended on shared financial backing from both Auckland Council and central government, Hill said. Once that government contribution was withdrawn, the offer could not stand.
Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston defended the decision in a letter to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, arguing the event failed to satisfy the criteria of the Major Events Fund.
"SailGP's application was assessed under the MEF's Focus Area One, which requires events to deliver net national economic benefits to New Zealand, primarily through the attraction of international visitors and/or direct event delivery expenditure. Given the timeframes involved and the information available, investment in the 2027 event was declined as it did not meet MEF criteria," Upston wrote.
A previous government offer of $5 million had been accepted in principle last year, conditional on SailGP and Auckland reaching agreement on dates. Those negotiations broke down, and when the matter was revisited in February, a larger sum was requested, which the government did not agree to.
Upston said the government remained open to considering investment in the 2028 and 2029 SailGP events, and left open the possibility of further discussion about the 2027 event if timing allowed.
