Should taxpayer cash go towards Team NZ?

The race is on to find the next holders of the America’s Cup; but whether taxpayers should help pay for Team New Zealand’s next campaign is yet to be determined.

Views from political parties were mixed this week, with some politicians making it clear they would be against public funds going toward the next America’s Cup bid.

Others were coy about the subject, acknowledging it would be positive for all — given the potential payout — while others did not want to tempt fate by commenting before the final race had finished.

Team NZ begins its challenge against Oracle Team USA in Bermuda today. Whether taxpayers contribute to the team has been controversial for years. And, without jinxing anything, if the Cup came back to New Zealand it would be an economic windfall.

Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges said if the team won in Bermuda, they expected Team NZ would want to discuss a future partnership with the Government.

“However, for now, it would be premature for the Government to consider potential investment in Team New Zealand’s next America’s Cup campaign before we can fully understand the opportunity that the next event holds for New Zealand and New Zealanders.”

A spokeswoman for Labour’s Sport and Recreation spokesman, Trevor Mallard, also thought any discussion of support was premature.

“Let’s win the damn thing first.” Act’s leader and sole MP, David Seymour, would not be swayed to give taxpayer funds — even if the Kiwis brought the Cup home this time.

“It is not the Government’s job to fund yacht races. That would be corporate welfare — which Act opposes.”

In 2013, the Government put $36 million of public money into the America’s Cup Kiwi campaign, but has not contributed to the Bermuda bid.

If New Zealand was to win hosting rights, Seymour said private sponsors should be forking out.

“If there are profits to be made from hosting the Cup here, then the businesses set to collect those profits can sponsor the event.”

Greens co-leader James Shaw said: “Frankly, I think the Green Party has got higher priorities than funding an elite sport.

“We’re dead against corporate welfare and subsidies, but if there’s a case to be made for the Government co-investing, then the business case needs to be absolutely rock solid.”

Total transparency was needed if public money was invested in Team New Zealand, he said, because taxpayers had the right to know how their money was being spent.

“I’m still not clear why public money has to be co-invested. That, to me, is the critical question. Because if it’s that good a deal, surely the private sector can fund it fully.”

NZ First’s Clayton Mitchell said the party had supported the 2003 campaign, but had yet to discuss the subject this time around.

Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell ruled out his party supporting any future public funding of the syndicate.

“While it’s all well and good to back the team and be proud of their efforts whatever the outcome, we simply can’t see how funding the hosting of a boat race should take priority over putting people into warm, safe, affordable homes,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ateed general visitor and external relations manager Steve Armitage said it was too soon to say what financial backing it would give a potential Auckland defence if Team New Zealand was successful.

Auckland had proved itself as a host of major sporting events, but he said any decisions about it hosting an America’s Cup or related event would need to be in partnership with central government and the private sector, “in order to maximise the economic return opportunity and deliver a world-class event”.

“But, from last experience, it’s probably best to wait until the last race has been sailed and the defender of the next America’s Cup is confirmed.”

HSpithill, the Ali of sailing, p39