The full statement was so carefully crafted that it stopped short of being an apology. But an apology it was, as it should have been. Quick rewind : In 2017, largely self-funded, Team New Zealand won the America’s Cup. It won the both trophy and the ownership of its next defence, which it brought back to Auckland. As occurred in 2000 and 2003, the team signed a detailed agreement with the government, securing the event for Auckland, with the Government contributing $40 million towards the cost of staging the cup. The “super-ministry” MBIE with tourism, and economic development among its roles became the “partner” of Team New Zealand, and the sister company America’s Cup Event Limited (ACE).
While the statement makes no specific reference to wider disagreements set to be decided by mediation,
Stuff understands all outstanding disputes between Team NZ, ACE and MBIE, are over. Without attribution to any person, the MBIE statement said: “We regret the manner in which this issue has played out in the public arena and the detrimental reputational impact of the process on ETNZ and ACE, its directors and the teams.”
Hannah Peters/Getty Images The unattributed MBIE statement came a week after the Ministry released information to In August, days before the release of the final audit which disproved whistleblower allegations against the team, MBIE’s Tourism general manager Iain Cossar texted the chief executive Carolyn Tremain.
Stuff. “I take my hat off to them, they have done a fantastic job,” he said. Nash’s comments came during a visit to the America’s Cup village on Auckland’s waterfront, but behind the scenes a bitter mediation process is underway between Team NZ and MBIE.
Not-For-Syndication
Grant Dalton is chief executive of the team and of its event company ACE. Team NZ claimed MBIE mishandled allegations made to it about how ACE and the team were managing government funding from MBIE, which has committed $40 million to event costs. MBIE received confidential information early in 2020 from a whistleblower, later identified as ACE event sub-contractor Mayo and Calder, and commissioned a forensic audit without telling ACE the grounds.
Fleets of spectator boats are expected on the water to watch the America s Cup races from tomorrow, and boaties are being asked to obey the rules.
Salama Lowe says her cafe is a favourite spot for the sailing teams to grab their morning coffee.
Photo: RNZ / Amy Williams
The America s Cup World Series kicks off with the first race in the leadup to next year s cup final.
The racing will continue into the weekend and businesses along the Viaduct Harbour are expecting - and hoping - for crowds.
It has been a long hard year for many hospitality businesses in Auckland and those along the waterfront are pinning their hopes on a busy summer.