Media Release
Friday 21 February, 2003
Loyal Flags Fly Out Of Branches Into Team NZ’s Coffers
Public displays of ‘Loyal’ support for Team New Zealand has leapt in the past few weeks as sales of the Loyal car flags
reach capacity.
Public demand for the flags has meant many ASB BANK branches have now run out with 19,000 sold since the campaign
started five weeks ago.
ASB Bank Head of Retail Banking Barbara Chapman says sales have leapt in the past 10 days, with Auckland driving the
biggest demand in the grip of ‘Cup’ fever.
“The best news is the sales have generated nearly $100,000 towards Team New Zealand’s America’s Cup campaign. Team New
Zealand tells us that equates to the value of a new sail for them, which is great. We still have some branches selling
the car flags to top up Team New Zealand’s bank account further so we are reallocating the remaining flags to downtown
Auckland branches to cater for the weekend supporters.
“While we had an initial teething problem with a small number of flags coming off the flag holder, that was fixed very
quickly. Since then, we’ve been inundated with public demand to demonstrate their support for Team New Zealand. We even
went the extra step to glue up existing flags to ensure the show of support stuck fast,” she said.
Team New Zealand Executive Director, Tony Thomas said the volume of flags seen attached to cars parked and moving round
the country has made the team feel very proud.
“The growing presence of the flags on cars throughout New Zealand has really boosted the morale of the team, especially
in this past week. The proceeds raised from the flags will enable us to buy another sail, which means a lot to us.”
Barbara Chapman says the Loyal campaign has been one of ASB Bank’s most successful fundraising sponsorships. “We’re
proud to back Team New Zealand this way, and look forward to celebrating a much deserved win.”
Ends.