Kiwis’ slow toys gain momentum
Broadcasting is key, with TNZ determined to return the regatta to free-to-air TV and a state of the art presentation for the digital age. It is a significant factor in the event fee makeup. ‘‘One of our underlying beliefs is that all of New Zealand and anywhere else should have easy access to footage. In our heart we want everyone to be able to watch it.’’
Dalton won’t be drawn on the actual cost of the final budget at this stage but scoffs at the ‘‘farcical’’ figure of $116m that has been doing the rounds.
‘‘It’s not even a fraction of that and running the whole event from A to Z would never even cost a fraction of that.’’
TNZ won’t be seeking government financial support from the government for their actual sailing programme from here after being handed $36m for the 2013 America’s Cup in San Francisco and $5m bridging funds for both the Bermuda and current Auckland campaigns.
In terms of a national investment, subsequent figures showed the major handout out for the San Francisco campaign that fell agonisingly short was repaid in PAYE taxes alone as the New Zealand marine industry got heavily involved in work for several syndicates. Financial Projections for the 2021 event are massive, but the costs and returns often hurt Team New Zealand in what is seen as a rich man’s game. The fickle sporting public rallies behind them once racing starts, but between Cup cycles they seem to get trolled. It pains the syndicate.
The hosting issue has even seen the possibility of New Zealand losing the regatta. Italy, where challenger of record Luna Rossa is based, is a viable alternative if Auckland can’t come to the party by August 31. But there are no intentions to take up offers from Russia and the United Arab Emirates.
‘‘Those things are real in terms of inquiries, but we keep saying till we are blue in the face that it is not our intention to take it anywhere else,’’ Dalton emphasises.
He pushes his black cap back and folds his arms. He has to rush to another appointment. It’s a hectic schedule. Four years ago he was consumed by just his team, now the team is consumed by trying to set up the regatta structure as well as trying to keep ahead of their opponents on the water.
‘‘Yep, it’s busy. But it’s in the ‘nice problem to have’ category because the America’s Cup is in New Zealand and that’s why we exist.’’ CHRISTMAS is a time for masses of plastic but at least one Kiwi toy company is trying to kick that trend to touch.
For nearly a decade, Wishbone Design Studio has been sourcing old carpet from renovated homes in the United States to make childrens trikes and bikes.
Nylon and polypropylene is shaved from the underside of the carpet to make recycled plastic.
With recycled plywood, it is made into flat-pack bikes in Wishbone’s factory in south China.
Wishbone co-founder Jennifer McIver said her sustainable business was among many in an ‘‘era of transformation’’.
The internet gave consumers access to information and online stores, giving shoppers more knowledge and power to purchase environmentally friendly products, she said.
‘‘The digital age has leant itself to more sustainable options. That inherently raises the bar.’’
Such conscious customers were coming in droves to Wishbone’s online store, she said.
Last year Wishbone sent bikes to 120 countries. More than half of its bikes were sold in Western Europe. Sales in Holland made up at least 25 per cent of its revenue last year.
McIver said the driver of what’s dubbed the ‘‘slow toy’’ movement was a chicken and egg argument.
Sustainable businesses could be growing in popularity because of consumer demand, or because of increasing pressure for profit making enterprises to be socially responsible, she said.
However, McIver said she was not ashamed to admit that her entire supply chain was not sustainable.
‘‘We have not achieved that and never will. There is no shame in starting small. It is an ongoing process.’’
Wishbone’s manufacturing site in China was audited for sustainability annually, she said.
‘‘Every year I see something we could be doing more sustainably.’’
Sustainable Business Network (SBN) chief executive Rachel Brown said sustainable shopping was taking off here.
People had more stuff than they knew what to do with and should buy quality over quantity or second-hand, New Zealandmade products, Brown said.
To suggest that the team should pay . . . that would be like asking the All Blacks to pay for the World Cup when it was in New Zealand. That just doesn’t make any sense.’ GRANT DALTON