The Principle race officer for the America's Cup is confident the event will go ahead in Auckland despite the concerns over the financial management of the event

The Herald reports the Crown has made a thinly-veiled threat to withhold the next tranche of taxpayer funding, revealed in a confidential letter.

Iain Murray admits that's a concern but believes the event will proceed as scheduled.


Peta Hiku will have the daunting job of filling Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's boots for the Warriors NRL match against Brisbane.

Tuivasa-Sheck has been suspended for a game following a shoulder charge during the loss to the Storm.

Gerard Beale will play in at centre, to allow Hiku to move to fullback.

Interim coach Todd Payten says Hiku's no stranger to the role.

A cash injection from FIFA could help ensure New Zealand stadiums are ready to host Womens World Cup games in 2023.

FIFA's bid evaluation for the 2023 tournament finds Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch's stadiums all need improvements to floodlights and other facilities.

It's understood New Zealand Football will meet with FIFA later this year to discuss improvements for each venue .. and who foots the bills.

Dave Beeche ran the local organisation of the 2015 Under-20 World Cup, and says FIFA could help.