Team New Zealand have hit back at “a highly orchestrated attack on our integrity” they say has resulted in a kangaroo court in the public arena.
Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton again emphasised there had been no misappropriation of public money.
This comes as the New Zealand government suspends funding on the event while it undertakes a major investigation into “structural and financial matters” surrounding Team New Zealand’s organisation of the America’s Cup.
Team New Zealand are co-operating and want the investigation carried out as quickly as possible to allow them to concentrate on their defence of the America’s Cup in Auckland early next year.
The Kiwis have endured a tough week of claim and counterclaim as sensitive details have leaked into the public arena.
“This week has seen a highly orchestrated attack on our integrity and credibility by people with questionable motives,” Dalton said in a strongly worded statement on Friday.
“We want to reassure all of our supporters, our sponsors and partners that there has been no misappropriation of public money, and we are working with MBIE to clear all allegations.”
Dalton described the process by the team’s detractors as “a text book case of intentional reputational damage 101” as details on a $3m “loan” emerged and revelations the syndicate were scammed out of around $1m targeted for TV production work from a European company.
“It is a deliberate, sinister and highly orchestrated attack which includes anonymous tip-offs, recordings and document leaks. ‘Informants’ orchestrate unfair accusations, by passing normal processes and going straight to external authorities. The authorities quite correctly look into the claims.
“Once that process begins the claims are leaked to media to create a kangaroo court trial, by specific media, before the target has had a chance to clear themselves through proper process. And even when the claims are proven inaccurate or wrong the reputational damage is done.”
Dalton said the unwanted distractions were hitting the team’s preparation.
“All this at a time when every hour counts as we try to focus on delivering a great event and defending the America’s Cup. The timing has been very well considered to take our attention of these vital objectives.”
Dalton felt it ironic that they were being criticised for not being forthcoming in providing highly confident and commercial information.
This came as they successfully sought a court injunction to prevent details of an interim report on the investigation being made public ahead of the probe’s findings.
“The reason we did not want to provide elements of this information was because we held serious concern about the lack of confidentiality in the process. Clearly we were quite right about that,” Dalton said.
“The reason we have been seriously concerned about the media reporting on the initial, incomplete and now ‘leaked’ report is because it will give competitive advantage to our on-water challengers during this and subsequent campaigns. We have had to take all actions available to protect that information and our competitive position.”
Dalton claimed they were getting “increasingly clear views on” the motives of people they felt were working against them.
“But we won’t stoop to their level today, our focus needs to be elsewhere right now.”
Team New Zealand insist the America’s Cup extravaganza can be a success and promised co-operation.
“I want to emphasise, as we have all week, that any outcomes from MBIE’s investigation can and will be worked through to ensure we deliver a great event and a successful campaign. We will work with the government and project partners to ensure this.
“As a team, all we want to do is defend this America’s Cup successfully in March 2021, and showcase to the world what an amazing country we have through a successfully run and broadcast event.”
