Hon Steven Joyce
Minister for Economic Development

6 May 2013

NZ ready for business at the America’s Cup

Construction of the Emirates Team New Zealand (ETNZ) base for the America’s Cup has begun in San Francisco signalling the start of a series of events to showcase New Zealand businesses.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says major events like the America’s Cup provide an opportunity for New Zealand companies to showcase their expertise on the international stage.

“New Zealand has a strong marine and digital technology association with the America’s Cup, and this programme is about leveraging off and growing that strong relationship,” Mr Joyce says.

The programme is being developed alongside the sailing event. As part of an agreement signed between the Government and Emirates Team New Zealand, New Zealand businesses will have exclusive access to the America’s Cup racing and ETNZ’s base in San Francisco.

The home base for the events organised by ETNZ, Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) and New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, will be Waka Māori – a 70-metre venue fashioned in the form of a traditional waka, built by Ngati Whatua o Orakei and used on the Auckland waterfront for Rugby World Cup 2011.

“New Zealand is a dominant player in the America’s Cup and we are taking full advantage of that position to promote New Zealand’s other stories and capabilities,” Minister Joyce says. “The United States is our third biggest trading partner and our goods and services exports continue to grow there. California alone is a market of 38 million people and remains at the heart of global innovation.

“Waka Māori creates a New Zealand landmark that will be seen from the surrounding high rises and Bay Bridge during the America’s Cup.”

New Zealand innovation will be evident during the Cup, with componentry for three of the four racing yachts designed and built in New Zealand; Kiwi-made super-yachts berthed at the marina, an official America’s Cup smartphone app made by Dunedin’s Animation Research Ltd, and New Zealand food and wine featuring on the menus of San Francisco restaurants.

ENDS

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