Rock the Dock will see Sir Rod Stewart perform a powerful and emotive rendition of his iconic song Sailing, from London, with the recorded performance beamed onto the Te Wero big screen in Auckland's America's Cup Village, and streamed online at https://www.newzealand.com/int/americas-cup/. The performance target date is Saturday 13 March, between 2:30pm – 3:30pm, pending local Covid guidance. 

Given the 36th America's Cup was set to be New Zealand's opportunity to welcome visitors from all over the world, 100% Pure New Zealand saw an opportunity to send a message of unity and togetherness to America's Cup competitors and their fans around the world. With the event being one of few global events to currently take place, it is expected that thousands of people around the world will watch this special message from New Zealand.     

“New Zealand is incredibly proud to be hosting the 36th America's Cup and supporting Emirates Team New Zealand as well as the teams who have come to compete. Aotearoa's warm welcome and manaakitanga will be in full force as we cheer on our international friends at this special event. We look forward to welcoming back international visitors when the time is right,” says Tourism New Zealand, Interim Chief Executive, René de Monchy.  

“We think Rod performing Sailing really captures this notion with its poignant and fitting lyrics, as well as Rod's connection to New Zealand.” 

The iconic rocker had a message for the world, rallying them to singalong with him wherever they are in a show of unity and support for the teams and their fans around the world​. 

'I'm excited to be performing for the America's Cup in New Zealand and Sailing is the perfect fit. With fans being unable to travel, I'm hoping that this special performance will remind us that we're all in this together.' Says Sir Rod Stewart. 

The bespoke performance will celebrate the beginning of racing in Auckland, as the world tunes in to witness the spectacle of the 36th America's Cup, and surrounding excitement.  

Auckland Unlimited Chief Executive, Nick Hill commented “We're grateful to be in a position to host a major global sporting event amid a pandemic in Tamaki Makaurau Auckland. It's not been without its challenges, but we know the world has been watching the amazing spectacle take place on the Hauraki Gulf and storing away these pictures for future travels. It seems only fitting to mark the start of the 36th America's Cup with something special that brings the country together.”  

Rock the Dock, featuring Rod Stewart 

Saturday 13 March, 2:30pm – 3:30pm [*pending alert level 1] 

Join us to singalong with Rod by visiting www.newzealand.com/int/americas-cup/ 

NB: As with the wider America's Cup event, this event will adhere to all Covid restrictions, and be managed accordingly should there be a change in alert levels. 

- Ends -  

For media enquiries:  

Emma Reyes
emma.reyes@tnz.govt.nz | 0424 425 813
Senior PR Executive, Tourism New Zealand 

Reegan Saiani  
reegan.saiani@elevenpr.com.au | 0412 427 470
Senior Business Manager, Eleven 

Notes:

Auckland – Host city of the 36th America's Cup: 

• Auckland is no stranger to hosting the America's Cup, with the first defence in 2000 with and again in 2003 
• The city's Cup-crazy sailing community can be relied upon to turn out in force to support the racing throughout the summer regatta period 
• Auckland is synonymous with sailing, often called the city of sails by some for the high number of marinas and boat owners in the city 
• The stunning natural venue for the events, the 36th America's Cup takes place on Tikapa Moana / Hauraki Gulf and its inner Waitematā Harbour  
• The sparkling waters of the Hauraki Gulf are dotted with islands, from Waiheke Island, a wine lovers' paradise, to the rough and rugged beauty of Great Barrier and the peaceful bird song of Tiritiri Maitangi 
• Auckland is an urban oasis, surrounded by three harbours and 3,700km of coastline, from the white-sand beaches of the north - to wild, black-sand surf spots on the west coast 
• One city, many worlds, Auckland is a region where urban fun meets natural landscapes, allowing you to enjoy the best of two worlds in one short trip