Creating the stage for the 36th America’s Cup

The stage is set, with Auckland made ready to host the prestigious 36th America’s Cup. Together the Wynyard Edge Alliance has created a spectacular waterfront destination, that will last well beyond the race in March 2021.

With competitors, crew, fans and media projected to fly - or sail - in from all over the world, it was important the 36th America’s Cup (AC36) venue showcase Auckland as a global city - in a project with a short time frame and an immovable deadline.

The Wynyard Edge Alliance (WEA), consisting of Auckland Council, Panuku, Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), Beca, Tonkin + Taylor, McConnell Dowell and Downer, came together as one crew for the mammoth undertaking.

Alongside our Alliance partners, we took a collaborative approach to scope and developed creative solutions to complex challenges. Engagement with mana whenua was important to the success of the project, as was helping to protect Viaduct Harbour's beautiful marine environment for future generations. Resilience, innovation, flexibility and decisiveness were all the order of the day.

Works included the consenting, design and construction of the infrastructure required to turn the dream into reality. Dredging was carried out to enable the water to be deep enough for the boats deep hydrofoils. Breakwaters and pontoons were installed to create sheltered berthing for the race boats, and visiting superyachts.

Hobson Wharf was extended to house the Challenger of Record’s base, and Halsey Wharf converted to house Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ), while the Wynyard Point redevelopment made space to house the five challenger syndicate bases. Part of transforming the waterfront also included an extension to the popular Silo Park, designed and delivered in collaboration with Panuku and iwi artists Reuben Kirkwood and Tessa Harris. A striking new waka-inspired shade structure called Te Nukuao is now a beautiful feature within the park, serving as both a cultural marker for mana whenua and a new public space to rest and enjoy.

Further associated works were also undertaken along the waterfront, including the relocation of the SeaLink Ferry facility and moving of a large stormwater outfall to the end of Wynyard Point. 

The 36th America’s Cup has been a catalyst for transforming Auckland’s waterfront. Our team of planners, engineers, architects and designers are proud to have been part of an alliance that collaboratively delivered a waterfront legacy that all New Zealander’s can be proud of.
 

• 2021 ACE New Zealand Awards - Gold