At the time, I was in tourism and, from a business perspective, we were aware of the economic benefits but it was not until I became an America's Cup visitor that I truly realised how amazing the event is from a visitor and Kiwi perspective.
The America's Cup provides a global platform to highlight New Zealand's wonderful vista of our land, culture and people.
But more importantly, it showcases our natural and innate abilities of being innovative with design and technology driven by our entrepreneurial spirit of thinking outside the square.
It highlights our sporting prowess - not only are the All Blacks world leaders in sport, we have many other sporting icons including this amazing collection of focused and highly tuned athletes who created this incredible team.
And I must mention Peter Burling - what an outstanding individual who is cool, calm and notably Kiwi by being undeniably humble. Who knew his name before he signed up to Emirates Team New Zealand? I certainly didn't! But I do now.
So, should we, as New Zealand taxpayers, contribute to the campaign for the upcoming America's Cup?
Yes. From an economic standpoint, the 2000 campaign generated between $1 billion to $1.2b for New Zealand, with a minimal spend from the Government.
It focuses the world and the super-rich on New Zealand, with the rich who come to play and spend their money on entertainment and investing in our boating and marine industries.
And finally, it encourages our industries to be more collaborative and fearless in expressing who we are by leading through technology.
• Allison Lawton is the chief executive for the Rotorua Chamber of Commerce.
