The Government is set to pull the funding for Sail GP to be held in Auckland next year, 1News can reveal.
In a statement, Tātaki Auckland Unlimited, the Auckland Council’s event funding agency, said it did everything to get the fixture across the line – but the race couldn’t go ahead without Government funding.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has hit out the decision, saying: “This is a disgraceful hash.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown hits out at the decision, calling it a "disgraceful hash". (Source: 1News)
But Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has backed her officials’ choice.
“We had an offer on the table last year. When Sail GP came to us this year, the level of investment they were asking for was greater.
“So, unfortunately, based on the criteria, it didn't provide the economic impact that we would expect, and because there was time pressure involved, we declined the application for 27,” she said.
Upston also pointed out the government had spent almost $6.4 million since 2023 on Sail GP.
"But, like every area of government, we don't have bottomless pits of money."
Auckland business leaders have expressed dismay with the outcome.
“The reality is, we’re the so-called City of Sails,” said Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Simon Bridges.
“With an event like this, that's a truly classy image-making, reputation-enhancing one that shows our tech, shows our innovation, but presents Auckland, New Zealand in a different light. That's the real kind of medium- to long-term loss.”
In a statement, Sail GP confirmed to 1News that Auckland would not feature on the 2027 Sail GP calendar, as it had "been unable to finalise an agreement for the coming season".
Sail GP co-founder and chief executive officer Russell Coutts told 1News he was grateful for New Zealand fans, and Sail GP remained in contact with the Government as it looks ahead to a possible return in 2028.
Upston was also hopeful this would happen.
“We’re really keen to see what’s possible for 28 and 29.”
Auckland's Mayor was not so optimistic.
“When you lose it, you lose it. People have other options,” Brown said.
The parting of ways over the regatta has happened less than two weeks after the signing of the Auckland City Deal – a commitment to better cooperation between local and central government.
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