NZ declines AC
Despite the proven formula, intense global interest and economic benefits of hosting an America’s Cup, the 38th America’s Cup will not be held in New Zealand.
01 April 2025
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New Zealand’s MBIE and Central Government have declined to support the bid, in the wake of Emirates Team New Zealand and The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron winning the 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona in 2024.
Emirates Team New Zealand put out the following statement in response to the decision:
“Since winning the 37th America’s Cup in October last year The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand have been intent on exploring the possibility of hosting the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland with the understanding it would take a combination of private backing, Local Government as well as Central Government support to make it happen, but not at the expense of funding other priorities in the tough economic climate.
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“In this time, the team have had comfort in the level of private support and have been working with Tātaki Auckland Unlimited who have been proactively spearheading the bid.
“So, it is with both disappointment and understanding to hear MBIE and Central Government have decided not to back the 38th America’s Cup in Auckland in 2027.
“While the significant economic benefits of hosting the America’s Cup and other major events are well proven, such as €1.034b ($1.9b NZD) of economic benefits in Barcelona in 2024, we understand there are other priorities for the New Zealand Government right now.”
No doubt the decision has been met by unanimous disappointment and dismay from Kiwis around the world, given the previous success of the event in 2000, 2003 and 2021.
Recently, the University of Barcelona and the Barcelona Capital Nàutica Foundation (FBCN) a post-event economic impact study which revealed over €1 billion positive economic GDP return that the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup created for the host venue Barcelona, Catalonia.
Italy and Greece have been pitched as two possible venues for the 38th America’s Cup, scheduled for 2027.
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