![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/4KDDOGZ_BB003693_jpg.jpeg\")
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\n2025 SailGP.
\nPhoto: Bob Martin for SailGP \/ Photosport\n<\/p>\n
SailGP will not be going ahead in Auckland next year as the government has rejected funding.<\/p>\n
T\u0101taki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill said they were disappointed with the outcome.<\/p>\n
“Auckland did everything to get this event across the line including resolving date issues, committing funds and meeting land and infrastructure requirements.<\/p>\n
“We worked incredibly hard to try and make this happen and are committed to SailGP returning to the Waitemat\u0101 Harbour in future years,” Hill said in a written response.<\/p>\n
Auckland’s host city offer was contingent on a two-way funding partnership between Auckland Council and central government, Hill said.<\/p>\n
However, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston has defended that decision.<\/p>\n
In a letter to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, Upston said the event did not meet the Major Events Fund (MEF) criteria.<\/p>\n
“SailGP’s application was assessed under the MEF’s Focus Area One, which requires events to deliver net national economic benefits to New Zealand, primarily through the attraction of international visitors and\/or direct event delivery expenditure.<\/p>\n
“Given the timeframes involved and the information available, investment in the 2027 event was declined as it did not meet MEF criteria.”<\/p>\n
A previous offer of $5 million had been accepted in principal last year, provided an agreement could be reached on dates with SailGP.<\/p>\n
But they failed to do so, and a higher amount was requested in February.<\/p>\n
Upston said the government remained open to “considering investment in the 2028 and 2029 SailGP events, and remains open to discussing the 2027 event if timing allows”.<\/p>\n