Church calls on Government to save Team New Zealand

Church calls on Government to save Team New Zealand

Newmarket Business Association Chief Executive, Ashley Church, says the Government needs to act immediately to ‘save Team New Zealand’.

Following comments from Dean Barker and Grant Dalton regarding other syndicates already moving to lure our sailors and designers away - Mr Church says the window of opportunity is closing fast and action needs to be taken without delay to secure the services of key Team New Zealand personnel. He says the Government is the only body which is in a position to do that.

“It’s good to see Stephen Joyce indicating a willingness to be involved in a Challenge again – but if we don’t move right now we run the risk that any talk of another challenge will be academic because the kiwis who are capable of making it happen will already be working for other syndicates”.

Mr Church says that the importance of keeping Team New Zealand together cannot be underestimated.

“This Syndicate has repeatedly proved its value to this country. Team New Zealand generates huge returns as a driver of tourism, immigration, innovation and investment – and it makes kiwis feel good. There’s absolutely no question that it needs to continue”.

Mr Church says that the cost, to the Government, of taking immediate steps to keep the team together would be ‘peanuts’ relative to a more substantial commitment some way down the track once more detailed planning has been done.

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