400+ expected in latest America’s Cup exemptions

15th June 2020 By Staff Reporter | news@tourismticker.com | @tourismticker

Auckland mayor Phil Goff has welcomed news that the Government is granting border exemptions to two of the syndicates competing in the 36th America’s Cup.

The move allowed American Magic and the INEOS Team UK to proceed with planning to move to New Zealand in coming months.

“The international syndicates will contribute more than $100m to the economy, with spending across a range of industries including construction, marine, retail, accommodation and hospitality,” Goff said.

American Magic and INEOS UK would 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, would go into managed isolation when they arrived. This included Kiwi members of their team as well.

The teams themselves would be paying for the cost of accommodation, flights, and food during their managed isolation.

The Government would provide services such as health compliance.

The event organiser, America’s Cup Events, was working with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Auckland Council Group on planning for the America’s Cup events as the agencies worked through the extent of the impact Covid-19 might have.

Auckland Tourism, events and economic development chief executive and chair of the America’s Cup joint chief executive group, Nick Hill, said work had resumed on building infrastructure to support the event after being put on hold during the lockdown.

The exemption comes as the Government said it was taking steps to help reunite New Zealand families.

Economic development minister Phil Twyford and immigration minister Iain Lees-Galloway announced changes to restrictions including removing the need for partners and dependants of New Zealand citizens and residents to travel together to return home when they had a relationship-based visa or were ordinarily a resident in New Zealand.

Maritime vessels would be allowed entry where there was a compelling need, diplomats could take up new posts, and there were short term criteria for other essential workers requests.

In June there were 5331 requests for a border exception – 2914 of those had been invited to apply for a visa, and 2456 visa applications had been approved.