$10 million to America's Cup:

[-df-]

I'm very happy that the gov has put up some money to keep the team members, all you nay sayers need to actually learn how all this works.

Muppets.

[k14]

The Government gave a $750000 grant to support hosting the A1GP in Taupo this year, and a $2 million grant towards the development of the Taupo track, for an estimated benefit of $23-50 million to the NZ economy.

As was pointed out earlier the estimated benefit from the last America's Cup held in NZ was around $500 million, so a $10 million investment isn't too bad really.

NZ has a very successful marine industry built on years of success in yachting competitions around the world. You can argue all you like about nationality issues and rich men pissing about in boats, but it's about supporting a successful NZ industry through the marketing opportunities around a sports team.

There is a big difference. When the government put the money forward for the above activities they were certain to go ahead where NZers could actively get something out of both things. The americas cup is at best a coin toss. Pure roulette with taxpayers money. Totally unjustified.

I'm very happy that the gov has put up some money to keep the team members, all you nay sayers need to actually learn how all this works.

Muppets.

Oh yeah, very well worded argument. I'm totally converted

[-df-]

Oh yeah, very well worded argument. I'm totally converted

I can't be arsed arguing over it, if people think a certain way they aren't going to be changed over an internet forum, they need to research it themselves.

Just voicing my opinion.

Glad I convinced you though...maybe I was wrong, you can change peoples minds...

EDIT: sorry...converted, not convinced...

[janno]

This is better. A nice, fiesty slanging match on the go. Things were a bit dull around here after the grammar and spelling fisticuffs died down.

I'm sitting on my nice, comfortable fence here. I think super yacht racing or whatever you call it is wanky rich boys and their toys, but I can also see clearly the economic benefits it brings to the country.

I'd like the races more if they held it somewhere interesting - Foveaux Straight would be good.

And make it like a reality tv show, close ups of tantys replayed ad nauseum, with viewers voting off the crew one by one.

[MisterD]

I'm very happy that the gov has put up some money to keep the team members, all you nay sayers need to actually learn how all this works.

Muppets.

Nobody in the rest of the world cares about this rich-boys circus. How much air time does it get on Sky UK - zip, zilch, zero. The argument about it promoting NZ to the world is utter bollocks.

[Big Dave]

Nobody in the rest of the world cares about this rich-boys circus. How much air time does it get on Sky UK - zip, zilch, zero. The argument about it promoting NZ to the world is utter bollocks.

It got 5 seconds as the last item on PTI vesterday.

[-df-]

Nobody in the rest of the world cares about this rich-boys circus. How much air time does it get on Sky UK - zip, zilch, zero. The argument about it promoting NZ to the world is utter bollocks.

just because you dont care about "this rich-boys circus" (I laugh every time I hear that, come on really...you ever been interested in the motogp? formula 1? ever asked yourself how much it costs them a season?) doesn't mean other people don't (like most of NZ, and at a guess a lot of people around the world).

Why do you think a lot of the super yachts, gin palaces, etc (and I mean the big ones) are produced in NZ? Maybe they just think...hmmm, NZ is miles from anywhere...they must be good at boat building....EEERRRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!

and back on the whole "rich-boys circus" thing, its cheaper to get into sailing then motorbike racing.

(wait a minute...I seem to be arguing, guess I changed my mind)

[-df-]

and even if it is just the "rich-boys" that take note...hell, they are the ones with money that can afford the super yachts, stuff the plebs...give us the money.

[-df-]

This is better. A nice, fiesty slanging match on the go. Things were a bit dull around here after the grammar and spelling fisticuffs died down.

I'm trying....

[denill]

That assumes that value provided to NZ by minority sports can only be measured in $$$$. Sad really, and yet another reason why professional sport is pathetic.

Yep, that's the essence of what I was tryin to say. If minority sports, including Road Racing, MX and even Trials got just a bit of a helping hand, not too many taxpayers would beef to much at their $$$$s spent in that area.

[RantyDave]

That's not even worth responding to.

Sorry, it was a bit shit. But my point was that you can't start a thread about a six digit car then bitch about community services being underfunded without looking just a tad two faced. Or perhaps you can.

I have no pedigree in community service. I'd like one, but don't think I could actually do it. Likewise fostering - big ups for those that can foster, I couldn't.

Dave

[imdying]

Yep, that's the essence of what I was tryin to say. If minority sports, including Road Racing, MX and even Trials got just a bit of a helping hand, not too many taxpayers would beef to much at their $$$$s spent in that area.

How about athletics? Their funding isn't particularly impressive given the results they've had over the years. Too much focus on ghey team sports, especially those where 30 grown men chase a pigs bladder... no wonder we breed morons that gang up and kill pizza delivery boys when the national pastime is getting pissed and watching thuggery.

[chris]

The Government gave a $750000 grant to support hosting the A1GP in Taupo this year, and a $2 million grant towards the development of the Taupo track, for an estimated benefit of $23-50 million to the NZ economy.

And the Taupo A1GP round looks to have been a one off...

[denill]

And the Taupo A1GP round looks to have been a one off...

I for one would not be back anyway

[chris]

I for one would not be back anyway

It's not surprising given the facilities and the track itself, which is a shame. Would be nice to think they can get the place sorted out for future events, however I think Hampton Downs may throw a spanner in the works.