Focus: Deadline looms for America's Cup decision

A key boat building firm says decisions about where to host the next America's Cup shouldn't be driven by cost.

Auckland Council is due to make a tentative decision tomorrow over exactly where the next America's Cup will be based in Auckland.

The options have been narrowed down to three, with Team New Zealand wanting a 220m, $190 million extension to Halsey Wharf. The option would offer a "legacy" venue for marine sporting events but is vehemently opposed by environmental groups.

Auckland mayor Phil Goff - who must balance environmental concerns and pressures on council coffers - prefers the cheapest option, a $137 million base split across Halsey, Wynyard and Hobson wharves.

But Team New Zealand says that option will disappear after the cup is over, leaving no legacy for the city.

C-tech - the carbon composite manufacturing company that's worked with Team New Zealand for 15 years - says decision shouldn't be cost-driven.

"It would be really nice to have it all in one venue and to have that kind of party atmosphere and have everyone in the same area would be fantastic," C-Tech's Alex Valling said. "But I'm not sure if that's achievable or not."

The council will make an interim decision on where to put the America's Cup base tomorrowand will make a final decision on December 14.

Aucklanders spoken to by Herald Focus were excited about the cup's potential to bring tourists into the City of Sails.

Yvonne Townsend said the America's Cup would be an important money-earner for Auckland.

"We've got such a fantastic harbour, it's great to be to showcase it to the rest of the world."

But she agreed with Goff that pouring too much money into new bases was unnecessary.