Auckland City Council - City Scene
Free standing Maori carvings at the Cup Village Island were recently blessed by Ngati Whatua. The carvings are the work
of Blaine Te Rito and depict a theme of voyaging across the sea, with the Island likened to a waka or canoe. The nine
statues each represent a particular aspect on the creation of the universe, with the ones at each end representing the
prow (Tauihu) and the stern (Taurapa). The carvings were commissioned by Ngati Whatua o Orakei and ACVL in consultation
with other iwi groups in 1996. The carvings will remain on display for the duration of the America's Cup regatta.
Council's Planning and Regulatory Committee has approved the draping of the seven fuel silos at Wynyard Wharf. The
drapes are expected to carry relevant advertising and would have a dark green and blue background. They will be made
from flame proof fabric and will be removed at the end of the Cup festivities. Last week BP announced that its storage
tanks will be removed from the area.
The official website of America' Cup 2000 is www.americascup.org. It is now 'live' with pre race coverage and will
provide in depth and up to date news on the whole regatta. Leading international and local sailing reporters will
provide an extensive coverage of each phase of the races, together with visual position graphics and photographs, boat
racing times, and time behind the leader updates. Profiles of each syndicate and their sailing teams will also feature,
together with a "Sail Loft" shoppers outlet where merchandise featuring the America's Cup 2000 and Team New Zealand can
be purchased.
Young Australia 2000, previously Sydney '95 has been completely overhauled and will shortly be ready for sea trials in
the Hauraki Gulf following her delivery from Australia by container ship. While they have missed out on a land base at
the Cup Village, the French have created a four storey building at their base made from shipping containers and a maze
of steel scaffolding, which is draped with a huge curtain featuring a large blow up picture of their boat racing through
white water. All of the 23 containers are made into rooms, the ground floor ones being for sail and mast storage, while
above, are the crew quarters, offices and communications room.