America's Cup: Govt unfazed by talk of rift

Mr Joyce said the Government would expect the syndicate to raise twice the amount Government put in.

The Government says it was in the dark over any potential rift between Team New Zealand's leaders, as it weighs funding options for a future America's Cup challenge.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce has committed $5 million in interim funding to keep the syndicate afloat and awaits an application from the team on potential state funding for another cup bid.

He said that the grant was not undermined by any tension between skipper Dean Barker and manager Grant Dalton regarding the finals series in San Francisco.

Both sailors still hold key roles at Team New Zealand and are likely to play a major part if another America's Cup bid is made.

Asked about the pair's relationship, Mr Joyce said he had not been aware of any problems when he was at New Zealand's base in San Francisco. "Our feeling is that it was worth, and is worth putting in the $5 million in anticipation of a possible future challenge. But we've got our eyes open that that may or may not come to pass."

Labour Cup spokesman Trevor Mallard said it was inevitable two talented yachtsmen would "sing different tunes" and it was important to have leaders who tested each other. Mr Joyce said the Government would expect the syndicate to raise twice the amount Government put in. The Labour-led Government put $36 million into the last bid. The Government would also want a more hands-on role and greater oversight of the management structure of Team New Zealand.