America's Cup- NZ Government backing confirmed for Team New Zealand
by Sail-World on 5 Oct 2013
Emirates Team NZ - Welcome Home - October 4, 2013 Richard Gladwell
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Fans have given Team New Zealand a heroes' welcome in Auckland and have been told unreservedly that the Government will support another America's Cup challenge.
Skipper Dean Barker, boss Grant Dalton and the rest of Team New Zealand were greeted rapturously by a crowd which had gathered since early this morning to see the defeated challengers.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce told the faithful: 'This country and this government stands ready to be part of the next America's Cup.
'Bring us a proposal and we will work with you on it.'
It took nearly 20 minutes for the team to push through the hugs and high fives of the thousands gathered and make their way to the stage at Shed 10.
Dave Dobbyn welcomed the crowd with a performance of Loyal, before the team was called into the venue with a powhiri.
Dobbyn then performed a rendition of Welcome Home for the team, accompanied by the emotional crowd, before Auckland mayor Len Brown spoke.
Fans said they were proud of Team New Zealand despite their eventual 9-8 loss to Oracle Team USA. For the rest of this story click here
To see the full welcome back to New Zealand click here
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