The America's Cup elimination series sponsor claims that construction time-tables in Auckland's Viaduct region reflect a local focus on the America's Cup final in February 2000, rather than the total event beginning next October. That could well be the case given a couple of unfortunate local realities.
Planning the developmentof the inner city and its harbour has not been one of Auckland's strong points. Also, if there is a lack of interest in the challenger elimination series, that would confirm a disappointing but undeniably innate parochialism. It will be a test for Aucklanders to widen their vision to appreciate the endeavours of all contestants.
If Marcus Hutchinson's impression that the local focus is limited to a two-week gap in February is correct, some of the blame might be laid at the door of the Team New Zealand organisation, which saw a one-defender team as the best use of resources.
A defender series running parallel to the challenger elimination would certainly have engaged public attention. But, from the moment it took command of the defenders' programme, Team New Zealand gave away the opportunity to build local interest in the racing. Technical testing programmes are just not the same.
It is to be hoped Mr Hutchinson's reservations prove ill-founded and Aucklanders do show the challengers that they have a passion for sailing, not just New Zealanders sailing. But the cup defence is not an end in itself.
Viaduct projects will be here long after the trophy has departed. The cup fraternity occasionally need reminding that the city's continuing development will not happen at the convenience of here-today-gone-tomorrow cup-followers. --Editorials & Opinion
