Opinions are divided over whether hosting Sail GP actually benefits the town of Lyttleton financially.
SailGP's chief executive Sir Russell Coutts has threatened to take the event elsewhere after the first day of racing on Lyttleton Harbour had to be abandoned because a dolphin was on the course.
Sir Russell has called the dolphin protection policy extreme and said the iwi has too much influence.
But the threat of the event going else where has raised questions over whether it actually worth the trouble.
Lyttelton Harbour Business Association Chair Siouxie Rowe speaks to Lisa Owen.
