America's Cup events in Auckland are likely to be pushed out until January next year.
The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment, Auckland Council and its economic development arm, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED), were pushing for the Christmas Cup event to begin in January 2021, instead of December 2020.
ATEED CEO Nick Hill said a delay due to COVID-19 'made sense'.
"There's a good argument to push the event out and compress it."
Compulsory quarantine measures would make it difficult for travellers and international media planning to travel in and out of New Zealand over Christmas, Hill said.
Although Hill believed it was out of his hand, saying,"[it] is not a decision for ATEED or the government to make".
Auckland Council said a delay would need to be approved between the Defender of the Cup, Emirates Team New Zealand, and the Challenger of Record.
"To clarify speculation on movements of America's Cup regatta dates, the Defender confirms there is no change in the event schedule," Emirates Team New Zealand said in a statement.
The Christmas Cup would be followed by the Challenger Series and the 36th America's Cup, set to happen between March 6 and 21, next year.
All challenger teams would take part in the three events.
A source close to the event told Newshub a one month delay was the "most likely scenario", which would not be formally announced until July at the earliest.
Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford said COVID-19 would probably impact the schedule, but would not confirm the Government's position on a delay.
"At this stage it is hard to know the extent to which COVID-19 will affect the Auckland events, however there is likely to be some impact," Twyford said.
"Our Government is highly motivated to ensure the 36th America’s Cup goes ahead as it will create massive economic spin-offs for New Zealand."
