Four plans for the America’s Cup and a mystery report

A mystery report has been written into the latest options for the America’s Cup in Auckland, which are driving a wedge between Team New Zealand, senior politicians and some of the city’s wealthiest businessmen.

The Weekend Herald has learned about the existence of the report, which is believed to assess plans put forward in the past 10 days by Team NZ and a “hybrid” option agreed between Economic Development Minister David Parker and Mayor Phil Goff.

It is understood the report does not assess a new plan announced on Thursday by Viaduct Harbour Holdings (VHH), owned by businessmen whose families have a combined wealth of more than $1.5 billion, according to the NBR Rich List.

The four options:
Wynyard Basin option:
Locates the bases around Wynyard Basin from Hobson Wharf to Wynyard Point. Involves a 75m extension to Halsey Wharf for four bases, a 75m extension to Hobson Wharf for the Team New Zealand base and a small extension on Wynyard Wharf for three bases. Agreed by the council in December with support from Team New Zealand and publicly notified in January. The only option with any legal status.

Hybrid option:
Incorporates elements of the of the Wynyard Basin option with more land-based bases on Wynyard Point and reduces the proposed extension to Halsey Wharf from 75m to 35m. The Team New Zealand base stays on a 75m extension to Hobson Wharf. Economic Development Minister David Parker and Mayor Phil Goff agreed on this option last week.

Team New Zealand option:
A variation on the “hybrid” option with seven bases on a 75m extension to Halsey Wharf and the Team New Zealand base on a 75m extension to Hobson Wharf. No bases on Wynyard Point.

Viaduct Harbour Holdings option:
A variation on the “hybrid” option that moves the Team New Zealand Base from Hobson Wharf to a 30m extension on Halsey Wharf. Five bases on Wynyard Point and two bases on Beaumont St.

Story by Bernard Orsman www.nzherald.co.nz