Auckland City chips in for Team NZ

Auckland City councillors last night voted 11-5 to give Team New Zealand $650,000 to help it run the America's Cup match.

The money will help Team New Zealand to meet a $9.5 million shortfall and to promote, manage and staff the best-of-nine series between the cup holders and the winner of the challengers regatta.

Ratepayers are now contributing $910,000 towards the cup. On top of the $650,000 grant to Team New Zealand, the council has committed $260,000 to an America's Cup welcome and to victory parades.

The grant was made days after Mayor John Banks and his allies pushed through their first budget, which includes the sale of pensioner houses.