Two America's Cup syndicates have been granted special exemptions to get through our closed borders, but international spectators might be watching from their couches rather than New Zealand waters because of Covid-19.
American Magic will bring 206 workers and family members with it while INEOS Team UK is bringing 87 workers, including a nanny and 128 family members.
They are expected to stay on for nine months, with the final America's Cup race due to be held in March 2021.
The government says the syndicates alone will pump $100 million into the economy but any thoughts of equaling past gains would be "heroic".
And super yachts bringing spectators and other overseas visitors might still be locked out due to our strict coronavirus border controls, which basically mean only New Zealand citizen or permanent residents are allowed into the country - without exemptions.
Economic Development Minister Phil Twyford says the Cup syndicates had to meet a tough set of conditions.
