Listen & read
The New Zealand Government's Major Events arm pulls support for the 2027 SailGP event, marking a significant setback for Auckland. This decision follows the government's previous withdrawals from hosting the 2024 and 2027 America's Cups, raising serious concerns about New Zealand's commitment to premier sailing events.
Auckland's Mayor Wayne Brown expresses his frustration, stating that the government failed to consult with the city council before declining funding. In a pointed letter to three national ministers, he emphasizes the lack of communication undermines the Auckland Deal’s partnership approach. "That is not acceptable, and we expect better," Brown asserts.
With the loss of SailGP, Auckland not only forfeits a major sporting event but also sacrifices goodwill built over four years of hosting. Another city has already stepped in, securing a long-term arrangement, illustrating the competitive nature of global sailing circuits.
The absence of a published economic impact report from the upcoming 2026 SailGP raises further questions about the government's decision-making process. Brown insists that future decisions of this magnitude require direct engagement with Auckland to rebuild trust and ensure successful partnerships. The fallout from this move signals a strategic miss for New Zealand in the international sailing community.
Comments (0)