The Taxpayers’ Union is asking questions of Auckland Mayor Phil Goff and Economic Development Minister David Parker prior to tomorrow’s deadlines under the Government’s agreements with Emirates Team New Zealand which could slash the $209 million of combined taxpayer and ratepayer money agreed to subsidise the team and event.

“We understand the Hosting Fees Agreement and other funding arrangements depend on Emirates Team New Zealand having a minimum number of challengers” says Taxpayers’ Union spokesman Jordan Williams. “A source tells us that Stars and Stripes Team USA has informed Emirates Team New Zealand that it will no longer be participating, which we understand has significant financial implications for tomorrow’s deadline under the agreements.”

“We have tried to get answers from the Government prior to the liabilities to taxpayers’ crystallising tomorrow. Unusually, David Parker's office won't talk to us or even return our calls on this matter. It would be a moral outrage if Team New Zealand were to sneak through funding prior to Stars and Stripes Team USA's decision becoming public.”

“Mr Parker needs to front up and explain what is going on.”

The Taxpayers' Union will also be writing to the Minister to ensure that verification of the number of teams still participating is made by the Government and that taxpayers' are not stuck with a bill bigger than it ought to be.

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