Newmarket Business Association

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Newmarket seeks Government support to keep Team New Zealand going

Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive, Ashley Church, is urging bi-partisan political support for an urgent underwrite to guarantee the future of Team New Zealand as a syndicate.

He says that while kiwis are naturally disappointed to have been beaten by Oracle in the first-to-9 series in San Francisco, few kiwis want to see Team New Zealand disappear.

“It’s like suggesting that the All Blacks should disband if they lose a World Cup. It’s unthinkable”.

Mr Church says that, like the All Blacks, Team New Zealand is an iconic kiwi brand and that the Government should do everything possible to ensure that the team stays together – including making a further commitment to funding and providing an underwrite for whatever additional amount the team might need as it prepares for the next challenge.

“Just look at the impact the Cup had on us. It brought us together in an unprecedented way, it enhanced our self belief and sense of nationhood - and, bluntly, it made us feel 'good' (well, the first 8 races anyway)”.

Mr Church says that he hopes political parties will recognise how kiwis feel about the Cup and can agree to a commitment which transcends party politics.

“Kiwis of every age, ethnicity, and political persuasion are united behind this thing – and we don’t want to see it end.”

Mr Church says that he will be talking to political leaders to seek an urgent consensus on the issue.

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