Cup auction $1m success

A fundraising auction for New Zealand's defence of the America's Cup was expected to pass the $1 million target in Auckland last night.

One bidder paid $100,000 for the wheel of NZL60, from the successful 2000 cup-winning boat.

Auction organiser Neil Prentice says had been a huge success. ntemore than 900 people made donations and bid on hundreds of items, including a Toyota car and overseas trips.

The auction began online on September 20 and raised $600,000 before last night's closing event.