About the 36th America's Cup
Economic Development Minister David Parker, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Emirates Team New Zealand on 26 March 2018 announced they reached an agreement in principle for the hosting fee, division of costs, and the location of the 36th America’s Cup in 2021.
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Economic Development Minister David Parker, Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) on 26 March 2018 announced they reached an agreement in principle for the hosting fee, division of costs, and the location of the 36th America’s Cup (AC36).
The location – known as Wynyard Hobson – has evolved from several options. It will see bases on Wynyard Point and Hobson Wharf, entailing only a 6,600 square metre intrusion into the Harbour (at Hobson Wharf), compared to other options which would have seen intrusions of up to 22,800 square metres.
It also represents a major cost reduction for taxpayers and Auckland ratepayers.
Read the Minister's press release on the Beehive website(external link)
Vision: Ignite the passion – celebrate our voyages
The America’s Cup has a special place in New Zealand’s recent history, and not just from a sporting point of view. Whether hosting it here or competing for it overseas, moments from the America’s Cup – celebration and heartbreak – are seared into our collective memory. The Cup has captured our imaginations and provided an opportunity to take our skills, culture and innovation to the world.
With this in mind, those planning to attend or get involved in AC36 can expect a lively, exciting and inclusive event. Kiwis are renowned for getting behind major events and this will certainly be no different.
The underlying principles of 36th America’s Cup are:
- Manaakitanga (a warm welcome for our visitors and all participants);
- Kaitiakitanga (guardianship – actively caring for our place, our environment and our people); and
- Kotahitanga (collaboration).
Host Venue Agreement
The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Auckland Council, Mana Whenua, and America’s Cup Event Limited (ACE – a subsidiary of ETNZ formed to run the event) are working together on a comprehensive programme to prepare for AC36 in a way that will ensure a great event with maximum shared benefits for New Zealand.
The infrastructure being developed for the 36th America’s Cup will provide a stage for the races and associated events, leaving a waterfront destination that Kiwis and visitors love.
The Wynyard Edge Alliance (WEA) has been formed to develop the infrastructure required to support AC36 and other associated works in the Auckland downtown area.
In March 2018, a Host City Appointment Agreement (HCAA) was signed between ACE, ETNZ, MBIE and Auckland Council confirming Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau as the location of the 36th America’s Cup. This was followed with a Host Venue Agreement signed in April 2019.
The Host Venue Agreement and Host City Appointment Agreement have been released under the Official Information Act and MBIE has made these documents publically available. You can find both Agreements, with some redactions to preserve commercial sensitivity, and an executive summary of the Host Venue Agreement at the links below.
36th America’s Cup Host City Appointment Agreement [PDF 5.6MB]
Economic Impact
In 2017, MBIE commissioned Market Economics to evaluate the potential economic impact of an Auckland-based 36th America's Cup (AC36). That economic assessment supported the investment into AC36. As the investment for the event was already committed, and had been for some time, no revision of the economic assessment was made before the event.
The initial assessment was based on a number of assumptions that have since changed, including the number of syndicates that were expected to race. On top of this, COVID-19 will have a significant impact given the border closure. We expect that the economic return on the event will be much lower than the initial assessment, given the current environment.
The economic evaluation did not capture any of the broader benefits associated with hosting an event of this scale, including showcasing New Zealand to international audiences via international broadcasting (and associated reputation impacts), high performance sport outcomes, and participation and engagement of New Zealanders that may have 'feel good' effects (increasing national identity and pride).
An external provider has been contracted to provide an AC36 Impact Evaluation Report. We expect the final report to be completed by July 2021.