WELLINGTON, (PNA/Xinhua) — The New Zealand government is maintaining its presence in the U.S. city of San Francisco as the New Zealand entry looks set to clinch one of the world’s oldest sporting competitions.
With Emirates Team New Zealand just two points away from winning the coveted America’s Cup sailing trophy, the government is eying huge economic benefits if the country gets to host the next challenge in 2016.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce is leaving for San Francisco Wednesday to represent the government in supporting Emirates Team New Zealand in the closing stages of the competition for the cup, which dates back to 1851.
He follows on from Foreign Affairs and Sport and Recreation Minister Murray McCully.
“As well as supporting Team New Zealand out on the water, I will be engaging with Kiwi businesses in San Francisco, including those who have received government assistance as part of the 3.9 million NZ dollars America’s Cup leveraging program highlighting our food and wine, technology, clothing and tourism sectors,” Joyce said in a statement Wednesday.
Since the beginning of July, the government’s New Zealand Trade and Enterprise agency had engaged more than 7,000 people at more than 70 events, he said.
“California is the number one state for visitor arrivals to New Zealand from the United States making up 23 percent of all arrivals and the leveraging program makes good business sense to build ties in the U.S..”
The last scheduled race on Monday between the New Zealand boat and the U.S. Oracle yacht was postponed because of poor wind and tides.