A Whakatane business leader with a desire to help Edgecumbe's recovery has helped secured an America's Cup visit to the Eastern Bay township next Monday.

Eastern Bay Chamber of Commerce chief executive Gerard Casey is the brains behind the event, which will see members of Emirates Team New Zealand bring the ‘Auld Mug' to the township to help boost morale and highlight the fact that Edgecumbe is firmly back in business.

Local event spokesperson, John Dillon of Bay Vets, says when he first heard about Gerard's idea, he told him that he was 'dreaming”.

'However now that he's pulled it off, I take my hat off to him! This will be great for Edgecumbe and we are very excited to host this wonderful event. Now the weather just has to play its part.”

John says that preparations are well underway for the once-in-a-lifetime visit, which will take place at Riverslea Park, beside the Mall in Edgecumbe, from 12-2pm next Monday.

As the event is in the middle of the school holidays, there will be children's activities onsite from 11am, and local businesses will be there offering their products via market stalls.

The main event will start with a welcome to Emirates Team NZ representatives and the America's Cup at midday, followed by brief speeches; a short crowd question-and-answer session with the team members; and then a public selfie or photo-opportunity with the Cup and team members.

John anticipates the event will draw people from throughout the Eastern Bay who are keen to get an up-close glimpse of the Cup.

'My recommendation is to come early to secure a park and take the opportunity to support the local businesses who are hosting fundraising market stalls, as they recover from the disruption caused by April's flood event.”