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Why Auckland's 2027 America's Cup bid never stood a chance
Why Auckland's 2027 America's Cup bid never stood a chance

Newsroom

time4 days ago

  • Business
  • Newsroom

Why Auckland's 2027 America's Cup bid never stood a chance

Auckland's unsuccessful five-month bid to secure the hosting rights for the 2027 America's Cup appears to have been doomed almost before negotiations started with the Government. Documents released to Newsroom show that Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's insistence that the Government allow his council to bring in a hotel bed levy as a funding source, was an early and significant hurdle. The Government had already refused the bed levy request, and Auckland's failure to have any other way of co-funding the event was highlighted repeatedly in advice to Cabinet ministers from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). The city's hopes to stage the 38th cup regatta were extinguished on April 1, when Auckland Council's culture and economic agency announced the Government had declined to co-fund it. Following the failure to strike a deal with Auckland and the Government for 2027, the cup defender sold the hosting rights to the Italian port city of Naples. Team New Zealand had revived hopes of a 2027 home defence in October 2024, soon after winning the cup for a third consecutive time in Barcelona. Documents sought by Newsroom from the council agency Tataki Auckland Unlimited, and MBIE, show a five-month negotiation that began with enthusiasm, but that soon ran into difficulty. Four months into that process, Grant Dalton, the chief executive of Team New Zealand, expressed frustration that no one from the Government had been in touch with him. It was 10 days after Team New Zealand's unprecedented third consecutive cup win, that Auckland officials began moves to secure the 38th running of an event the city had last hosted in 2021. Barcelona hosted the 37th cup, after the Labour-led government and Auckland Council, which backed the 2021 Auckland regatta, made an offer to Team New Zealand that fell short of the defender's needs and was rejected. Unusually, Dalton began talking about what a post-Barcelona future might look like, even before the team had secured the Auld Mug in late 2024. At first, Auckland didn't seem to be a part of it. 'Whether New Zealand could host the (next) Cup would be for politicians to decide and make a bid, rather than the team actively seeking a deal,' he told Stuff in a September interview. But on October 27 more than a week after victory, Dalton told this writer, in Barcelona, that confidential talks were underway to explore a joint public-private sector hosting bid in Auckland. 'We are completely genuine in terms of – if we can get this (event) home, we will,' he said. Two days later, inside Auckland Council's culture and economy agency, that work began under a code name. 'We will refer to it from now on as the 'Special Project' or SPWG, rather than the America's Cup,' wrote Tataki's head of major events Michelle Hooper to a chosen group of 10 agency staff on October 29. 'There is stiff competition from other cities to host this event, so we need to move swiftly and with focus to pull together a winning bid to present to Team New Zealand,' Hooper wrote. Tataki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) met in person with Dalton and his chief operating officer Kevin Shoebridge a month later. Notes prepared by TAU have all dollar references redacted, but noted 'there is potential private sector funding interest from a consortium of wealthy benefactors to the tune of (blacked out).' 'This sum could be doubled with the right structure, support and campaign, based on discussions with the representative of this group,' said TAU. Newsroom understands the hope was that private backers could provide as much as half of the media-reported hosting sum of $150 million. Barcelona's late and successful hosting bid for the 2024 cup was made possible only when wealthy individuals in just 15 days agreed to underwrite $44.8 million of revenue, kickstarting the formal bid. TAU provided 'high-level' information to MBIE in November and more detail in December, outlining the case for hosting, and some of the key elements in a bid. All the infrastructure was already in place in Auckland, said the local officials, following the investment made for the 2021 Cup, creating space for bases and public viewing. A total of $348.4m of ratepayer and taxpayer money went into permanent infrastructure on Auckland's waterfront, and event-running costs. A TAU briefing prepared for Cabinet ministers in December 2024 doesn't reveal the hosting fee sought by Team New Zealand, but Newsroom understands it was around $40m. An initial cost-benefit analysis commissioned by TAU put the net benefit at up to $1.19 for Auckland, for each dollar invested, and up to $1.15 at a national level. The briefing also outlines what would soon appear to become a significant hurdle for MBIE and the Government. 'The mayor is clear that Auckland's financial contribution is dependent on the introduction of a visitor levy,' said TAU. Brown appeared to be using the cup hosting as a lever to get government approval for a nightly bed levy – something the government had already ruled out. Under Brown, Auckland Council significantly reduced ratepayer funding for major events, in the expectation the government would agree. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown is adamant the Government allow his council to bring in a hotel bed levy as a funding source. Photo montage:Before TAU's first detailed pitch went before Cabinet ministers, MBIE's Kylie Hawker-Green wrote back to the Auckland officials to ensure she would be accurately conveying the city's stance on its funding contribution. 'I will be stating that Auckland's cash contribution is contingent on the establishment of an accommodation levy of some form being established prior to the event delivery window,' she put to TAU. She intended to tell ministers that: 'If no accommodation levy is established, Auckland Council will not be in a position to contribute a direct cash contribution to AC38.' Two days later, Hawker-Green presented a 23-page briefing to the Major Events Ministers Group, made up of eight ministers, Sport and Recreation's Chris Bishop, Melissa Lee for Economic Development, Finance Minister Nicola Willis, Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters, Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown, Paul Goldsmith for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Trade Minister Todd McClay, and Tourism and Hospitality's Matt Doocey. Hawker-Green outlined Auckland's dependence on a future bed levy, under a section entitled. 'Funding sources are highly speculative'. To that same meeting, TAU argued benefits that would flow into the marine and technology sectors concluding the event would 'provide Auckland and New Zealand with an unparalleled opportunity to showcase its marine and technology prowess'. 'By hosting the event, Auckland cements its position as a world-class destination for innovation, sport sustainable technologies and cultural celebration.' A potential event programme submitted to MBIE by TAU in November 2024, outlined cup events in Auckland spanning a year, from a women's and a men's regatta in February 2026, through to the challenger series and the cup itself from October 2026 to almost March 2027. The December ministerial briefing paper included MBIE's 'preliminary views' such as this fleeting reference to the upsides of hosting. 'Crown investment in an event of this significance and scale presents a strong signal of New Zealand's ability and willingness to host mega events and would catalyse direct economic activity for Auckland.' A subsequent MBIE paper from February 12, 2025, included an ominous line about that multi-minister briefing. 'Pre-Christmas engagement on the opportunity drew mixed views from the MEMG (Major Events Ministers Group). MBIE's advice to ministers in a range of papers provided to Newsroom, highlights what it saw as risks, and downsides for the Government. Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown's insistence that the city be allowed to introduce a nightly bed levy was repeatedly cited as a hurdle. 'Local government investment remains unconfirmed,' was one sub-heading on a topic MBIE officials would underline repeatedly. The other cash problem was that the undisclosed amount being sought from the Government's coffers outstripped what was available in its Major Events budget, where some money was already ring-fenced for unnamed possible events. 'The Crown would need to establish a new appropriation to provide investment in the AC38,' wrote officials in a March 4 briefing. In short, the Government had no earmarked funds available, nor had Auckland Council. On February 28, TAU lodged a formal application for Major Events funding with MBIE. Along with the formal document, the Auckland agency forwarded an email it had received from a clearly frustrated Grant Dalton. 'To date, in the four months since Emirates Team New Zealand won the America's Cup, I/we have not had any direct contact or indication at all from central government level (PM, ministers or even MBIE) if they are even interested in the America's Cup being hosted in Auckland,' Dalton wrote. 'It is of paramount importance and necessity to have a firm indication from the Government on the extent of their desire to host AC38 before this can progress any further with meaningful direction.' 'In response' noted an MBIE ministerial update on March 4, 'the Minister for Sport and Recreation (by then, Mark Mitchell) contacted Mr Dalton directly to discuss the Crown's consideration of the investment opportunity.' Dalton had wanted faster progress, and had told TAU in late 2024 that if a business case for local hosting was submitted by the end of that year, he would halt negotiations with other potential venues, until the bid process concluded. Seemingly unaware of the skeptical tone in MBIE's briefings, TAU was pressing on. On March 25 it asked the ministry to agree to a timeline in which the Government's decision on funding would be made by April 18. But by the time that email from TAU's Michelle Hooper landed in MBIE's inbox, the hosting bid was dead. A week earlier, in the MBIE briefing to the Minister of Finance, and Economic Growth, Nicola Willis, the ministry said: 'Noting ETNZ's upcoming end of April 2025 deadline, the significant risk around Auckland not having identified a funding source, and the opportunity cost of an investment of this quantum in the present economic climate, we present two options for you to consider'. Willis chose the second: 'instruct officials to cease work on the proposition now, noting risks, and advise TAU accordingly.' On February 21, four days before Hooper's last nudge to MBIE, Willis' private secretary emailed the ministry: 'The minister has signed the paper (attached), agreeing to cease work and notify TAU.' The final six-page paper from the ministry to Willis – which presumably outlines the final view on the merits of funding a cup hosting – has been withheld from Newsroom, by MBIE. Over the following week, much of the material released by MBIE to Newsroom, is about the preparation of a communications plan around the decision being announced. On March 27, MBIE's chief executive Carolyn Tremain broke the news to TAU's chief executive Nick Hill in a phone call, who then told Dalton. The formal letter from the Government came the following day. 'We acknowledge that events like the America's Cup can deliver a range of significant benefits,' wrote Tremain. 'However, Auckland Council's contribution was based on the introduction of a new 'accommodation levy' or similar funding mechanism, which is not a priority for this Government,' she wrote. 'Additionally, the investment risk would require government to identify and ring-fence new money at the expense of other funding priorities such as health and education.' In a statement publicly ending the hosting hopes, TAU's Hill wrote: 'This situation again illustrates the need for a long-term sustainable funding model in New Zealand to support major events.' A month later, further underlining Auckland's shrunken funding for major events, Hill in a memo to local politicians, informed them that an advanced bid to host the Gay Games had been strapped, and a lean funding pipeline also put at risk Lions rugby tours in 2027 and 2029, and an ICC Tour cricket World Cup in 2028. Team New Zealand continues to negotiate with challengers, to agree a protocol – a set of event and design rules – for the Naples cup regatta in 2027.

How Lydia Ko's Husband Helped Save LPGA Legend's Hall of Fame Career
How Lydia Ko's Husband Helped Save LPGA Legend's Hall of Fame Career

Newsweek

time22-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Newsweek

How Lydia Ko's Husband Helped Save LPGA Legend's Hall of Fame Career

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Lydia Ko, the 23-time LPGA winner, tasted success remarkably early, but her journey was not without its share of challenges and mental stress - the kind that often accompanies a professional golfing career. And the fun fact? She still embraces them all, as seen in her latest interview with The three-time Olympic champion walked viewers through the significance of each trophy in her 'trophy room', including her early wins. PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Lydia Ko of Team New Zealand reacts following victory on Day Four of the Women's Individual Stroke Play on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf... PARIS, FRANCE - AUGUST 10: Lydia Ko of Team New Zealand reacts following victory on Day Four of the Women's Individual Stroke Play on day fifteen of the Olympic Games Paris 2024 at Le Golf National on August 10, 2024 in Paris, France. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) More Getty Images The LPGA pro started winning at just 15, bagged the player of the year award at just 17 when she was just 'the girl in specs.' In total, Ko snagged 14 titles as a teenager. But just like her success came early, Ko was quick to decide on her retirement from professional golf. It happened last year after the 28-year-old opened the lid on her retirement plan before 30, just as she grabbed the Olympic golf medal. That move sparked curiosity, with some speculating that Ko might be seeking a better work-life balance, similar to LPGA star Lexi Thompson, who transitioned to part-time golf. Ko's own words offer insight into the pressures she faced, as she sarcastically remarked, "Oh, I cry about golf all the time," during the interview. She further elaborated on her emotional struggles, recalling a particularly tough moment at age 12: "I remember when I was 12, I had to play 36 strokes or something for my birthday, for my New Zealand stroke play and I shot like 79 and was like - 'I suck, I hate golf, I hate me.'" The vivid memory of that frustration was etched in her mind, especially since it happened while she was "eating Korean black bean noodles and just like crying." Ko's intense passion for the game was evident, as she explained that her emotional investment brought both "happy tears and upset tears." As Lydia Ko opened up about her struggles, she shares one particularly upsetting moment that is still clear in her mind. It was when the pro was 23, playing at the Walmart NW Arkansas Championship. Ko recounted: "I had a really good round the first day at the Walmart and it was the first time I kind of shot under par in a couple months." She carded 71 in the first round. Sadly, her momentum faltered the next day, as she struggled with consistency, hitting "a few chips like in the same up and down, up and down." Ko shared how, out of frustration, she called her husband Jun, saying, "No, I don't know why." ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 25: Lydia Ko of New Zealand, poses with the AIG Women's Open trophy with her husband, Chung Jun on the Swilcan Bridge following victory on Day Four of the AIG... ST ANDREWS, SCOTLAND - AUGUST 25: Lydia Ko of New Zealand, poses with the AIG Women's Open trophy with her husband, Chung Jun on the Swilcan Bridge following victory on Day Four of the AIG Women's Open at St Andrews Old Course on August 25, 2024 in St Andrews, Scotland. (Photo by) More Getty Images She further shared how Jun's calm response, "Hey, like golf is not just it to your life," offered a different perspective. Yet, her frustration ran deep, making the situation intensely personal. Ko admitted that when Jun tried to calm her down, she argued, "You don't know what you're talking about it. It's just everything was just so personal." As Ko reflected on her relationship with her husband, it became clear that his presence has been a game-changer in her life and career. It was also evident as Lydia shared, "Golf takes up a lot of time, and my identity is so connected to it," she confessed, revealing the all-consuming nature of her profession. However, Jun's presence has helped her realize that there's more to her identity than just being "the golfer Lydia Ko." This shift in perspective has been instrumental in bringing balance to her life, allowing her to navigate the pressures of professional golf with greater ease and perspective. The stellar impact is also visible in her recent performance. The 28-year-old is still on the run actively, as reflected by her recent win on March 2nd, where she carded a 3-under 69 to snag the HSBC Women's World Championship title. Beyond being a calming influence, Jun also shares her passion for golf, and the couple has developed a deeper bond over shared moments, both on and off the course. More Golf: U.S. Open Site Suffers 'Significant Damages' amid Torrid Storms

3-time America's Cup champion Peter Burling joins Luna Rossa ahead of 2027 regatta off Naples
3-time America's Cup champion Peter Burling joins Luna Rossa ahead of 2027 regatta off Naples

Hamilton Spectator

time20-06-2025

  • Sport
  • Hamilton Spectator

3-time America's Cup champion Peter Burling joins Luna Rossa ahead of 2027 regatta off Naples

MILAN (AP) — Three-time America's Cup champion Peter Burling has joined Luna Rossa ahead of the 2027 regatta off Naples, the Italian team announced Friday. Burling left Team New Zealand in April after nearly a decade in which he steered his home boats to three consecutive America's Cup trophies. Luna Rossa said Burling 'is ready to contribute both in sailing performance and technical development as the team gears up for the next America's Cup campaign.' Barring a change in protocol concerning team changes, Burling likely won't be able to be aboard Luna Rossa and will have to remain on shore. Luna Rossa CEO Max Sirena praised Burling's 'exceptional sailing talent and his sportsmanship.' 'Even though his exact role has yet to be defined, he will certainly be part of the sailing team, reinforcing Luna Rossa's core leadership group and contributing to key areas of our development program,' Sirena said. Burling is a former Olympic sailing gold medalist and nine-time world champion. He became Team New Zealand helmsman in 2017 and at 26 steered the boat to a 7-1 victory over Oracle Team USA in Bermuda. That made him the youngest helmsman to win the America's Cup. Burling was skipper and helmsman when Team New Zealand successfully defended the America's Cup in 2021 in Auckland, New Zealand, and 2024 in Barcelona . 'I've always loved racing against Luna Rossa and now to join this iconic team is a real honor,' Burling said. 'The innovation and competitiveness they bring to the Cup has always inspired me. I'm grateful for the warm welcome and I'm looking forward to working hard alongside a world-class team, doing my part to help win Luna Rossa's first America's Cup.' ___ AP sports:

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