Auckland deserves a big hand for putting on a fabulous APEC event
and readying the city for what will be the greatest America's
Cup defence ever, Prime Minister Jenny Shipley said today.

"To show New Zealand's appreciation the Government will contribute
$40,000 to the America's Cup Village Open Day event on 10 October,
to say thank you to Auckland.

"With performances by Tim Finn, Drums of the Pacific, Nairobi
Trio and Kantuta to name a few, along with street performers
and face painting, the Sunday promises to be a great day on the
waterfront.

"Auckland did us proud. Many of the APEC Leaders commented on
the positive feeling of the Auckland meeting and the superb organisation.
Some said it was the best APEC they had attended. That's a credit
to the people of Auckland, their city and the wider region.

"The celebration day is part of Government saying thanks. We
also intend to fund an artwork or conservation project as a permanent
gift to mark Auckland's contribution to APEC '99. We will work
with the Auckland Forum to identify an appropriate project.

"This gesture is an acknowledgment of the level of inconvenience
and challenge that some Aucklanders faced during APEC.

"I, along with many other New Zealanders have been impressed
with the dramatic transformation of Auckland's waterfront in
preparation for the America's Cup.

"Enabling Auckland families to celebrate the new waterfront with
some great entertainment will be a great way to kick off the
America's Cup season.

"All New Zealanders can feel proud of what APEC achieved. We
sell goods to the world and always need new customers. APEC achieved
good progress in gaining new markets, new jobs and new opportunities
and Auckland contributed greatly to this success," said Mrs Shipley.

ENDS

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