Kiwibank joins the America's Cup Defence
by Emirates Team NZ and Sail-World.com/nz 12 Mar 14:05 PDT
13 March 2019
Kiwibank are a new sponsor signed by Emirates Team New Zealand for the Defence of the America's Cup © Emirates Team New Zealand
Emirates Team New Zealand is teaming up with Kiwibank in the lead up to the 36th America’s Cup, to be held in Auckland in 2021.
“We are proud to be banking with a New Zealand-owned bank that has Kiwis at its heart,” says Grant Dalton, CEO of Emirates Team New Zealand.
Kiwibank CEO Steve Jurkovich says: “When sailors, designers and boat builders are in partnership – that’s what creates the magic that makes the boat go faster. In the same way, business works best when business bankers and business customers are in partnership.
“Every New Zealander that has followed the journey of Emirates Team New Zealand has seen the ups and downs, the wild successes and resilience they’ve shown. For me, Emirates Team New Zealand is a big inspiration.
“The decision by Emirates Team New Zealand to switch from an Aussie-owned bank to Kiwibank is a demonstration of the momentum we’re seeing right now. More and more Kiwi businesses are making a deliberate choice to support New Zealand Inc by aligning themselves with a bank that keeps profits right here in Aotearoa.
“Emirates Team New Zealand’s drive for results, and their relentlessness to be a bit better every day, aligns with Kiwibank’s attitude and resolve. We strive to marry technology and thought leadership to deliver for our customers but ultimately it comes down to people. In the same way the wider crew behind Emirates Team New Zealand makes all the difference, the people in behind Kiwibank make all the difference too.
“Both Kiwibank and Emirates Team New Zealand are 100 percent committed to New Zealand and its success. This is a show case of the very best New Zealand has to offer on a global stage. We are really pleased to play our part in what will again be an immense challenge,” Mr Jurkovich said.
Grant Dalton said: “We are really excited to have Kiwibank, yet another great Kiwi brand onboard, supporting the team as we work toward defending the America’s Cup in 2021. The event will be huge for the New Zealand economy. It is something all Kiwis can get behind and it is great to have Kiwibank standing shoulder-to-shoulder with us as we welcome the world to New Zealand.”
Kiwibank was set up on a Government initiative in 2002 to provide a New Zealand owned alternative to the other major players in the NZ banking scene, who are all foreign owned. The bank has since grown to the point where it now has over 800,000 customers in a NZ population of 4.8million. The bank has more than 1,000 staff and a nationwide ATM network.