![\"Auckland](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/auckland-chamber-of-commerce-chief-executive-officer-simon-b-Q7VK337TVFHPVFMUV4V3JUX5BY.jpg\")
<\/p>\nThe Government is set to pull the funding for Sail GP to be held in Auckland next year, 1News can reveal.<\/p>\n
In a statement, T\u0101taki Auckland Unlimited, the Auckland Council\u2019s event funding agency, said it did everything to get the fixture across the line \u2013 but the race couldn\u2019t go ahead without Government funding.<\/p>\n
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has hit out the decision, saying: \u201cThis is a disgraceful hash.\u201d<\/p>\n
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown hits out at the decision, calling it a “disgraceful hash”.\u00a0 (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n
But Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has backed her officials\u2019 choice.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe had an offer on the table last year. When Sail GP came to us this year, the level of investment they were asking for was greater. <\/p>\n
\u201cSo, unfortunately, based on the criteria, it didn’t provide the economic impact that we would expect, and because there was time pressure involved, we declined the application for 27,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Upston also pointed out the government had spent almost $6.4 million since 2023 on Sail GP.<\/p>\n
“But, like every area of government, we don’t have bottomless pits of money.”<\/p>\n
Auckland business leaders have expressed dismay with the outcome.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe reality is, we\u2019re the so-called City of Sails,\u201d said Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Simon Bridges.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Auckland Chamber of Commerce chief executive officer Simon Bridges. (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n
\u201cWith an event like this, that’s a truly classy image-making, reputation-enhancing one that shows our tech, shows our innovation, but presents Auckland, New Zealand in a different light. That’s the real kind of medium- to long-term loss.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a statement, Sail GP confirmed to 1News that Auckland would not feature on the 2027 Sail GP calendar, as it had “been unable to finalise an agreement for the coming season”.<\/p>\n
Sail GP co-founder and chief executive officer Russell Coutts told 1News he was grateful for New Zealand fans, and Sail GP remained in contact with the Government as it looks ahead to a possible return in 2028.<\/p>\n
Upston was also hopeful this would happen.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe\u2019re really keen to see what\u2019s possible for 28 and 29.\u201d<\/p>\n
Auckland’s Mayor was not so optimistic.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen you lose it, you lose it. People have other options,\u201d Brown said.<\/p>\n