America's Cup 2021—Venue
9. Dr DEBORAH RUSSELL (Labour—New Lynn) to the Minister for Economic Development: What announcements has the Government made regarding the hosting of the 36th America's Cup?
Hon DAVID PARKER (Minister for Economic Development): Yesterday, the Government signed an agreement with Auckland Council and Emirates Team New Zealand to host the 36th America's Cup in Auckland in 2021. This plan will deliver a world-class venue for the event and economic benefits to Auckland and the country. It is a fantastic achievement by the officials involved and testament to the effort this coalition Government has made to reach the best possible outcome.
Dr Deborah Russell: What benefits does this venue design provide over other plans?
Hon DAVID PARKER: The objective of the Prime Minister, Mayor Goff, and I was always to minimise the intrusion into the harbour while delivering a top-class venue at the lowest possible cost. This outcome saves tax- and ratepayers more than $50 million compared with other options. It entails the 6,600 square metre intrusion into the harbour, which is 16,000 square metres less than previously proposed. That 16,000 square metre reduction is equivalent to 40 waterfront sections of 400 square metres each. Property valued, this represents an environmental saving of an additional $50 million, meaning our interventions have helped save $100 million in financial and environmental costs.
Dr Deborah Russell: What reports has he received about the America's Cup venue?
Hon DAVID PARKER: I have received reports congratulating the Government for utilising land on Wynyard Point, which results in a better outcome, including the legacy of clearing off Stolthaven's southern tank farm. This is in contrast to another report claiming the new Government was wasting time pushing for Wynyard Point, preferring that we roll over and accept the plan initially presented to us. If we'd listened to that unsolicited advice in December, it would have cost $50 million more and caused significant loss of harbour space and sight lines. Luckily, Simon Bridges could not act on his own advice.
SPEAKER: Order! Order! Ministers have been reminded on a number of occasions not to use patsy questions from the Government in order to attack the Opposition. As a result of that breach, there will be the return of the three remaining questions to the National Party. Can I ask both sides just to have cognisance of the rules.