Long-term Team New Zealand sponsor Omega on Thursday announced its continued sponsorship of the team in its challenge for the 35th America's Cup in '17. It is the second major sponsor of the team to renew its commitment in as many weeks along with Emirates. As commemoration of Omega's support for Emirates Team New Zealand, the watch brand introduced the new Seamaster Diver 300M ETNZ with Team NZ's logo embossed on the case back (Team NZ). STUFF reported Team NZ Managing Dir Grant Dalton described the agreement with Omega as "another landmark milestone for the team." The financial developments "are crucial with the government indicating any significant public funding is unlikely" (STUFF, 5/21). The NEW ZEALAND HERALD reported NZ PM John Key last month admitted "the end of the road" had
come for government investment in the team after the America's Cup
Events Authority "reneged on an agreement to hold the qualifying series
regatta" in early '17 in Auckland. The decision left the team facing an "uncertain future, but
backing from two major sponsors is the strong indication Team NZ will be
on the startline in Bermuda" (NZ HERALD, 5/21).
