Britons train as NZ entry fears ease

British syndicate INEOS Team UK have resumed training in Portsmouth as the immigration exemption process for America’s Cup teams to enter New Zealand makes progress.

Both the British and United States challenger American Magic have aired concerns over getting their teams into New Zealand on time for cup preparations in Auckland as the coronavirus pandemic puts a vice-like grip on the countries’ borders to foreigners.

New Zealand Minister of Immigration Iain Lees-Galloway told Parliament on Tuesday that a process was under way.

‘‘I can inform the House that I have had regular correspondence with Dean Barker, as head of the American Magic syndicate, on the subject of travel to New Zealand for the America’s Cup, since he contacted my office on March 23, 2020. This included a video conference on the March 25, 2020, and further correspondence since,’’ Lees-Galloway said.

‘‘Immigration NZ officials have been in regular discussions with the America’s Cup syndicates since July 2019. The context of those discussions has changed significantly since that time.

‘‘I am confident that the process that has been put in place and has been discussed with the syndicates will be applied appropriately.’’

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff told Newsroom: ‘‘I think the Government will make a decision shortly in allowing the crews here.’’

American Magic have already put their first AC75 boat on a container ship bound for Auckland and hope to have team members greet its arrival. Their second AC75 will be delivered to Auckland by plane.

The wealthy British syndicate now look likely to fly their two boats to New Zealand.

The first race to feature the 765-foot foiling monohulls will be in Auckland in late December at a world series regatta.

The Prada Cup challenger series then runs in January and February with the winner of that going on to meet Emirates Team New Zealand in the America’s Cup match in March.