SailGP will not be going ahead in Auckland next year as the government has rejected funding.
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said they were disappointed with the outcome.
“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 was contingent on a two-way funding partnership between Auckland Council and central government, Hill said.
However, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has defended that decision.
In a letter to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Upston said the event did not meet the Major Events Fund (MEF) criteria.
“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.”
A previous offer of $5 million had been accepted in principal last year, provided an agreement could be reached on dates with SailGP.
But they failed to do so, and a higher amount was requested in February.
Upston said the government remained open to “considering investment in the 2028 and 2029 SailGP events, and remains open to discussing the 2027 event if timing allows”.
