America's Cup 2021 was "given the green light," with the Environment Court of New Zealand approving the transformation of Auckland's waterfront ahead of the regatta, according to Nick Truebridge of STUFF. The plans include extending Hobson Wharf by 74m, installing breakwaters, clearing industrial land on Wynyard Point for up to five bases and housing Team New Zealand in the Events Centre. Land on Auckland's waterfront that was reclaimed to build bases for the 2000 and 2003 Cups now accommodates apartment and hotel developments, "requiring more spending" for the '21 event. Auckland Mayor Phil Goff said that Tuesday's Environment Court decision means Auckland Council "could spend the next three years building the infrastructure needed to host the race." He said, "Today's decision is the culmination of a huge amount of work by [Auckland] Council, Government and Team New Zealand to create an America's Cup village that limits encroachment on the harbor, is sympathetic to the local community and businesses, and will deliver a fantastic Cup for New Zealand." The consent was sought by Panuku, with backing from Auckland Council. Both plan to spend an estimated NZ$212M ($141M) preparing for and holding the defense of the Cup, won by Team New Zealand in Bermuda in '17. The government is contributing NZ$74M ($49.2M) to the construction. Auckland Council is also bringing forward hundreds of millions of dollars worth of other waterfront improvements in time for the 36th edition of the Cup (STUFF, 9/25).
