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.
