The New Zealand government put an early NZ$5M ($3.65M) envelope "on the table" so sailing Team New Zealand can "retain its talent," according to Stacey Kirk of STUFF. The "early funding boost is similar to what the Government provided in the immediate aftermath of the disastrous 2013 America's Cup Challenge," to give TNZ "breathing space" while it worked to secure funding for its next bid. It was a "no-strings" commitment. However, the government's resolve to be more involved in a defense, given the "likelihood" it would be held, "at least in part," on New Zealand waters, appeared to be "far stronger than four years ago." Economic Development Minister Simon Bridges said, "Team New Zealand displayed incredible talent and innovation during the 35th America's Cup campaign. This investment of NZ$5 million will go some way towards protecting the valuable intellectual property, experience and skills that rest with key team members." Planning for the defense was still in preliminary stages, and it "was not yet a given" that the '21 event "would even be held in New Zealand" (STUFF, 7/3).
