Poor need help rather than yachts

MEN and their billion dollar toys. They'll even cheat to ensure they win the America's Cup and get fined $250,000 for doing so.

If these guys can play the game and handle a quarter million fine without flinching, then we need some answers.

We need answers because it appears our Government has put up $36 million for a billionaire's game while many of our precious tamariki (children) live in poverty.

Yes, if we do win, it will bring billions of dollars to New Zealand's shores but at what cost?

None of the money generated will reach the real people - those living below the bread line, in poverty or just struggling to make ends meet. I know if I had $36 million to throw into a yacht race then I'd have some floating around to help those less fortunate than I.

Cash generated from such events generally is made for the country it is played out in, through more visitors to its shores who spend on services and accommodation.

But it never reaches the poor. It is only boosting the bank balances of the rich.

It does generate more tax yes, which in my view should be used to benefit our people not thrown into the coffers of a government that taxes the higher earners more than the hard workers on the ground doing the hard yakka - in most cases just for the minimum wage.

My first thoughts when Oracle was fined for cheating while racing against Team New Zealand was the money should come here. I understand some of the fine has been given to the mayor of San Francisco and some to the family of one of the guys killed during match races.

But it was the Kiwi team who were wronged, so in my view the cash should be coming here.

Maybe this fine could be set aside for charity or services like foodbanks and housing for the poor or clothing and bedding grants - that don't have to be paid back. A non-government run agency handling the money.

Remember the hype and frenzy 18 years ago when Sir Peter Blake and Team New Zealand, with Black Magic, beat the Yanks? We were all so proud.

Let's remain proud but never forget there are the less fortunate who we need to support before we put taxpayers money into something that won't benefit them or those most vulnerable in our community.