Bayleys Raises $1,700,000 For Team New Zealand

Media Release

19/10/02 0104

BAYLEYS RAISES $1,700,000 FOR TEAM NEW ZEALAND

The Great Team New Zealand Auction - a major fundraising initiative undertaken by Bayleys Real Estate for Team New Zealand - has raised more than $1.7 million for the team's defence of yachting's America's Cup.

The initiative involved a month-long Internet auction and a live auction dinner for 900 people in Auckland tonight (October 18).The live auction in Auckland tonight involved the sale of more than 40 high-value items.

The highest price achieved for the evening was $100,000 for the steering wheel from NZL 60, New Zealand's winning boat in the last America's Cup. (For other items see below)

Businesses and individuals from around the country also donated more than 1500 items for the Internet auction in which thousands of people bid on-line for a wide range of goods and services.

One of the most heavily bid items on the on-line auction was lunch for two people at Bellamy's with Prime Minister Helen Clark which attracted over 80 bids and sold for $2,750.

"The response to this initiative from around the country has been amazing and has exceeded even our most optimistic expectations," says Bayleys' managing director Jeff Davidson. "It shows just how much support there is for the Team New Zealand and what they are striving to achieve in the face of some massively funded challengers."

Speaking at tonight's live auction and "loyal" dinner, Team New Zealand skipper Dean Barker said the team was completely blown by the incredible support for the auction.

Items which sold at tonight's live auction included :

- $46,000 for a 17th man position on the Team New Zealand boat during training.

- $13,000 for two paintings by Lady Pippa Blake.

- $50,000 for a holiday package for 20 people based at Solitaire Lodge on Lake Tarawera.

- $35,000 for a sculpture by Chris Chateris

- $27,000 for dinner for 16 people (hosted by Dean Barker and Tom Schnackenberg) at the Team New Zealand base

- $70,000 for a trip for two to next year's Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne

- $70,000 for signed plans of NZL 32 from Team New Zealand's successful 1995 campaign

- $43,000 for a night for two people at Moet & Chandon's Chateau de Saran in Champagne, France with Air New Zealand business class affairs to London and transfers top Paris.

ENDS

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