Please select your home edition
Edition
Craftinsure 2023 LEADERBOARD

America's Cup: Further delays expected to planning deadlines

by Todd Niall RNZ/Sail-World.com/nz 5 Mar 2018 21:37 GMT 6 March 2018
Cagliari Sardinia the venue for the 36th America's Cup World Series © Luna Rossa Challenge

There could be a further delay to decisions on how to build an America's Cup village in Auckland, increasing fears that a key milestone will be missed. The government's key minister David Parker will be out of the country for the rest of the week, with an already-extended part of the planning process due to close in eight days.

Three options for cup bases remain on the table, and RNZ News understands there's frustration about the Minister's absences as a deadline approaches.

Radio NZ's Auckland Correspondent and click here for America's Cup veteran Todd Niall's report

The government's key minister David Parker will be out of the country for the rest of the week, with public submissions in the planning process due to close in eight days.

The submission period has already been extended by a fortnight and Auckland Council fears that not having a decision by Wednesday next week, could have a knock-on effect on the project.

RNZ understands there's frustration in Auckland that absences by the minister due to his other commitments, are slowing down the process.

There's been three weeks of official silence since Auckland's mayor Phil Goff, and the Minister for Economic Development Mr Parker changed course on the Cup village plan.

The pair said they favoured a different layout to the one agreed in December between the council and the defender, Team New Zealand, and wanted more bases on land at Wynyard Point.

The December deal involving 75 metre extensions to the Hobson and Halsey Street wharves was already in the planning process, with submissions extended to accommodate any changes.

Serious consideration is being given to the third option proposed by Team New Zealand, which could be $50 million cheaper than the minister's preference for Wynyard Point.

It would retain the 75 metre wharf extensions - a sore point with Mr Parker - but possibly drop the need for any bases on Wynyard Point, and the expensive relocations needed to allow that.

A spokesman for Mr Parker said the minister would have nothing to say prior to his return on Saturday from signing the CPTPP global trade deal.

But Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said she was not too focussed on next Wednesday's deadline for public submissions on the December plan.

"There is still more room for dialogue and to make sure we get the bid right, and that ultimately we're in a position to host the Cup," Ms Ardern told RNZ.

For the full story from Todd Niall click here

Cagliari Sardinia - Luna Rossa Challenge's base and the likely alternate venue option for the 36th America's Cup Defence - photo © Luna Rossa Challenge 2013 <a target=www.lunarossachallenge.com/" />
Cagliari Sardinia - Luna Rossa Challenge's base and the likely alternate venue option for the 36th America's Cup Defence - photo © Luna Rossa Challenge 2013 www.lunarossachallenge.com/

Related Articles

Dalton reflects on another extraordinary year
ETNZ managed an unprecedented third successive America's Cup victory winning 7-2 2024 has been another extraordinary year for Emirates Team New Zealand which managed an unprecedented third successive America's Cup victory winning 7-2 in the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup against INEOS Britannia in Barcelona. Posted on 20 Dec
ETNZ ranked #5 in major sport brands
Emirates Team NZ has been ranked at #5 on the global Sports Technology Power List In the 2024 Sports Technology Annual Review and Power List published Friday, Emirates Team New Zealand has been ranked at #5 on the global Sports Technology Power List by The STA Group who champions the best sports technology globally. Posted on 22 Nov
America's Cup: Ben Ainslie reflects
Ben Ainslie's thoughts subsequent to his riposte to the Kiwi sport commentator Topics covered include his most memorable moment of the Cup, his thoughts subsequent to his riposte to the Kiwi sport commentator and much more in this frank review of the Brits performance in the 2024 America's Cup. Posted on 20 Nov
Surprise move by America's Cup Event
Surprise announcement made to stop teams from sailing and testing The Defender and Challenger of Record for the next America's Cup have given notice of rules that will apply for the 38th America's Cup, effectively immediately designed to stop teams from sailing or testing, before the announcement of the next Protocol. Posted on 8 Nov
37th America's Cup through Jan Pehrson's lens
The AC75's have been a game changer not only for sailors, but for sailing photographers as well The AC75's have been a game changer not only for sailors, but for sailing photographers as well. The action is so quick, with boats speeds in the 40 knot range, that photographers and photo boat drivers must make lightning-like decisions. Posted on 26 Oct
Defenders want to expand on AC37 progress
AC40 and E-sports to be expanded. Barcelona not big enough for expanded teams Grant Dalton outlines the future of the 38th America's Cup - Womens, Youth and E-Sailing to stay. Barcelona lacks infrastructure for an expanded event. Visitor numbers and TV audiences are expected to reach targets. TV audiences will be 50% up on AC36. Posted on 22 Oct
The challenge of INEOS Britannia
A brilliant campaign for the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup The most successful British Challenge in over 90 years ended in defeat after a spirited series against the Defender, Emirates Team New Zealand, that was closer and more hard-fought than the 7-2 scoreline suggests. Posted on 20 Oct
America's Cup: RYS confirmed as Challenger
Royal Yacht Squadron is confirmed as Challenger of Record for 38th Match The Royal Yacht Squadron has lodged a Notice of Challenge for the America's Cup, and the Cowes based club will be the Challenger of Record for the 38th Match. Sir Jim Ratcliffe has confirmed he will be back with the team, as has skipper Ben Ainslie. Posted on 19 Oct
NZ makes history with successful Cup defence
Emirates Team NZ concluded a historic chapter, winning the 37th America's Cup Match Emirates Team New Zealand concluded a historic chapter, winning the Louis Vuitton 37th America's Cup after an epic final showdown in Barcelona against the Challenger of Record, INEOS Britannia, in a single race that ebbed and flowed from the outset. Posted on 19 Oct
Cup Spy - Am Cup: Day 6 - Kiwis win Three-peat
Emirates Team NZ has successfully defended the America's Cup in a unique Three-peat Emirates Team New Zealand representing the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron has successfully defended the America's Cup in the 37th Match sailed off Barcelona. Updated: Omnibus video of Races 1-9 Posted on 19 Oct