Public says no to Government's $34m America's Cup offer

The Government's offer of up to $34 million for another America's Cup challenge has received a decisive thumbs-down in an opinion poll taken in the past week.

The greatest number, 43 per cent of those polled, believed no public money should be provided for another challenge.

A further 25 per cent of the New Zealand Herald -DigiPoll survey would prefer the Government to contribute a lower amount. Only 11 per cent would like to see a larger grant.

Following the cup loss this summer Sports Minister Trevor Mallard said up to $34 million could be provided to support Team New Zealand's fund-raising if it decided to mount another challenge. The decision is expected by the end of the year.

The survey of 802 eligible voters nationwide found opposition to investment of public money in the cup increased markedly with age.

Of voters under 40 years of age, 38.8 per cent were opposed. In the 40-60 age bracket, 41.4 per cent were against the idea and 55.9 per cent of over 60s wanted no taxpayers' money given to the challenge.

Opinion was more sharply divided among men than women. More men than women supported a larger grant, but more men were also opposed to public money going to the cup.

A larger number of women would be happy to see the team given something less than the $34 million offered. Nearly 20 per cent would be content to see a challenge given the same amount as previously.

The Government provided just $8.6 million for the unsuccessful defence of the cup this year.

In January 2000 it gave Team New Zealand $5.6 million to stop further defections after the loss of Russell Coutts, Brad Butterworth and other team members. In February 2002 the Government contributed another $3 million to the defence.

The first defence of the cup succeeded with no direct Government assistance, though taxpayers had contributed $10 million to the development of the Viaduct Basin.

Further reading: nzherald.co.nz/americascup