Auckland changes proposal to charge superyachts at anchor

Auckland Council has decided against its proposal to charge yachts over 40m a fee of NZ$23 per metre per day to anchor in Hauraki Gulf in the lead up to the 2021 America’s Cup. The thinking behind the proposal was to help cover the cost of the additional services the harbour master would have to provide for superyachts at anchor. 

Instead, foreign-flagged yachts over 40m anchoring in the Auckland region will have to pay a one-off navigation and safety fee of NZ$20 (plus GST) per metre for 12 months. This amount is more visitor-friendly, and will cover the harbour master’s services in Auckland's Hauraki Gulf. The annual fee, which also applies to cruise liners and cargo vessels, will not apply to superyachts proceeding directly to a marina berth in Auckland or anchored for less than 24 hours while awaiting a berth.

This announcement has been made following strong opposition of the initial proposal from the Kiwi marine sector, who argued that the fee would deter superyachts from visiting Auckland for the America's Cup. With a collective effort from the sector, the council now understands the negative consequences that the proposed anchorage fee would have had.

"Working with Auckland Council, experts from within our own organisation, NZ Marine, as well as from the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Emirates Team New Zealand, were able to help the council appreciate just how much of a deterrent a daily anchoring fee would have been to foreign vessels planning to visit our shores, particularly for the Prada and America's Cup in 2020/21," commented Peter Busfield, executive director of NZ Marine.

For those considering visiting New Zealand for the America’s Cup in 2021, a total of 11 events including superyacht regattas, superyacht fishing competitions and island cruises have been organised to entertain visiting yachts. NZ Marine has recently released a concise brochure detailing the entry considerations and events for superyachts. To download it, please click here.

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