Key Takeaways
- The Black Foils expressed disappointment that SailGP will not race in New Zealand in 2027, noting the pride and economic value of home events.
- The New Zealand Government withdrew funding for a 2027 SailGP regatta after a joint $5 million per‑annum offer from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) and Tātaki Auckland Unlimited (TAU) failed to secure agreement on event dates.
- SailGP’s request for accelerated Major Events Fund (MEF) assessment was declined because the 2027 proposal did not meet the MEF’s requirement for net national economic benefit.
- Auckland council and TAU remain committed to hosting SailGP in future years, with discussions ongoing for a possible return in 2028‑2030.
- The Government indicated openness to funding SailGP events in 2028 and 2029, and to revisiting 2027 if scheduling conflicts can be resolved.
Black Foils’ Reaction to the 2027 Cancellation
The New Zealand SailGP team, the Black Foils, released a statement voicing their disappointment that the 2027 championship will not be held on home waters. They highlighted that the four previous events in Christchurch and Auckland had been “hugely important” for the squad, setting league‑wide benchmarks for crowd sizes and community engagement. Racing in front of New Zealand fans, they said, “means the world to us,” and the home regattas have provided vital opportunities to strengthen relationships with team partners. Despite the setback, the Black Foils pledged full support for efforts to bring SailGP back to Aotearoa in the future and confirmed they will maintain a presence through community activities during the 2027 season.
Government Funding Decision Explained
According to 1News, the primary reason SailGP will not return to Auckland in 2027 is the withdrawal of Government funding. Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston communicated the decision in an email to Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown, outlining that while a joint $5 million per‑annum offer from MBIE and TAU had been accepted, the parties could not agree on suitable delivery dates for the 2027 event. Upston noted that SailGP had submitted an accelerated Major Events Fund (MEF) application in February 2026, seeking higher investment and a decision by March 31, despite the usual MEF assessment period lasting several months.
MEF Assessment Outcome
Upston explained that SailGP’s MEF application was evaluated under Focus Area One, which mandates that funded events deliver net national economic benefits to New Zealand, chiefly through attracting international visitors or generating direct event‑related expenditure. Given the compressed timeframe and the information available, officials concluded that the 2027 proposal failed to satisfy this criterion, leading to the decline of investment. The Minister emphasized that the Government remains open to funding SailGP regattas for 2028 and 2029, and would reconsider 2027 if a viable schedule could be arranged.
Auckland Council and TAU’s Efforts
Tātaki Auckland Unlimited chief executive Nick Hill affirmed that Auckland had done everything possible to secure the event, including resolving date conflicts, committing funds, and meeting all land and infrastructure requirements. Hill expressed disappointment but reiterated the organization’s commitment to welcoming SailGP back to the Waitematā Harbour in future years. He stressed that Auckland possesses the proven capability to host world‑class competitions and that TAU will continue exploring options with SailGP for a potential return from 2028 through to 2030.
Financial History of SailGP in New Zealand
Over the past four years, SailGP has received a total of $6.39 million from the Major Events Fund, with $2.34 million allocated specifically for the 2026 Auckland event. By comparison, The Ocean Race—another major sailing competition—has been earmarked for up to $4 million through the same fund, marking its first return to New Zealand since 2018. This financial context underscores the competitive nature of MEF allocations and the high bar set for events seeking government support.
Future Prospects and Government Stance
Minister Upston signaled that the Government’s door remains ajar for SailGP investment in 2028 and 2029, and indicated willingness to revisit the 2027 event should timing reconciliations become feasible. The statement highlighted that the Government views SailGP as a valuable contributor to New Zealand’s tourism and events portfolio, provided the economic benefits can be demonstrably quantified and aligned with MEF objectives. Consequently, any future bid will need to clearly illustrate how the regatta will generate net national gains, likely through increased international visitor spend and lasting infrastructural legacies.
Broader Implications for New Zealand’s Events Landscape
The inability to stage SailGP in 2027 reflects broader challenges in balancing major‑event funding with scheduling constraints and competing interests, such as The Ocean Race’s planned March 2027 return. It also underscores the importance of early alignment among stakeholders—government agencies, local councils, and event organizers—to avoid last‑minute impasses. While the short‑term loss of a home SailGP race is a setback for the Black Foils and local fans, the continued dialogue and expressed interest from both the Government and Auckland suggest that the prospect of future championships remains viable, contingent on meeting rigorous economic‑benefit criteria.
About the Author
Christopher Reive, who joined the Herald sports team in 2017, contributed to the coverage of this story, bringing his versatile approach to sports journalism to the analysis of SailGP’s New Zealand developments.