America’s Cup challengers cleared to enter NZ
Team New Zealand rivals American Magic have breathed a sigh of relief after finally receiving a border exemption to begin their America’s Cup campaign on New Zealand waters.
The Government announced yesterday it is granting border exemptions to two of the syndicates competing in the 36th America’s Cup, paving the way for American Magic and INEOS Team UK to proceed with planning to move to New Zealand.
The Government is continuing to work with the Challenger of Record Luna Rossa on their applications which were seeking a later entry date.
American Magic skipper Terry Hutchinson said there was “a big sense of relief ” after what had been a sometimes frustrating few weeks for the United States challengers but ultimately was thankful to the New
Zealand Government for their efforts.
“We’re incredibly respectful of the process that the New Zealand Government’s taken to get us to this point,” Hutchinson told the Weekend Herald. “We’re grateful for the exemptions and really in particular need to thank the Prime Minister [ Jacinda Ardern] for her efforts.”
He also thanked the other “soldiers behind the scenes” in the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) who worked hard on making the America’s Cup happen despite the challenges presented by the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic.
“As hard as it is, because we’re antsy with our timing, they worked us through it and helped us through this process. And I can tell you 100 per cent that we’re looking forward to integrating into the Auckland community and being the safest and nicest neighbours you can find.”
American Magic and INEOS UK will bring more than 400 workers and family members to New Zealand between them, with the syndicates expected to be in New Zealand for up to 10 months.
The teams and their families will go into managed isolation when they arrive. This includes Kiwi members of their team as well. The teams will pay for the cost of accommodation, flights and food during isolation, while the Government will provide services such as health compliance.
Despite being a bit behind schedule, Hutchinson said he’s making no excuses and is excited to get sailing in Auckland in July.
“How it’s all panned out, we’re going to be in a good spot that we’ll be sailing in July. As it is always with the America’s Cup, is anything every perfect? No. But if we meet that milestone then at the end of the competition in March of next year, we’ll only have the mirror to congratulate or to blame.”
Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said the exemption is “a positive step that will provide a real boost to Auckland’s economic recovery”.
“The international syndicates will contribute more than $100 million to the economy, with spending across a range of industries including construction, marine, retail, accommodation and hospitality,” Goff said.
“We are looking forward to welcoming the syndicates to Ta¯maki Makaurau and can’t wait to see their boats out on the Hauraki Gulf.”
Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton was also pleased with the Government’s decision, saying he looks forward to welcoming the teams to Auckland in the coming months.
Event organiser America’s Cup Events Ltd is continuing to work with the MBIE and Auckland Council Group on planning for the America’s Cup events as the agencies work through the extent of the impact Covid-19 may have.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development chief executive
Nick Hill and chair of the America’s Cup Joint Chief Executive Group says work has resumed on the build of infrastructure to support the event after being put on hold during the lockdown, and planning around it is continuing at pace.
“We are still working through the full impacts of Covid-19 and this includes some of the remaining funding which is required for the ongoing development of the programme which is contingent upon confirmation of the council’s Emergency Budget,” he said.
“The investment from Auckland Council and the Government to date is helping to create better waterfront infrastructure for Aucklanders and set a deadline for some of the other planned projects for the city. This is before realising other benefits of hosting an event of this calibre, including lifting Auckland’s global profile, attracting investment and new business links.”