Russell Coutts said something very important to New Zealand when he stepped up to the microphone after the victory parade on Saturday. Thanking the public for its enthusiasm, he said that was ultimately the crucial element in New Zealand's success. All the vision of leaders, all the skills of yachtsmen, all the expertise of designers count for nothing unless public enthusiasm makes it worthwhile for sponsors to finance the enterprise. New Zealanders lived up to the opportunity.
Aucklanders turned out in force for the parade, much as they did on Thursday night at the Viaduct Basin after the final race. The city has again surprised itself with its ability to stage an international event on the scale of last year's Apec conference, and one which lasted a good deal longer. The success of the America's Cup owes much to the ability of Auckland's people, particularly its young people, who thronged the inner city in high spirits and had fun without causing trouble. Here's to them.
Thousands more throughout the country joined Saturday's festivities by television, just as they had followed the races in their living rooms, workplaces, schools and rest homes. They were sharing something larger than a yachting event, larger even than sports' oldest trophy. New Zealanders proved again that they can rise to a sense of national endeavour.
But not all of us, it must be conceded. The spirit will not have touched those who have never been able to see past the money needed to contest the America's Cup. Even now, dreary pens are probably poised to ascribe its popular success to corporate power and clever promotion. But only those who have never done it imagine marketing can contrive anything. People can sense the real from the phony and in Team New Zealand the nation saw real qualities to inspire it.
Now there is much to be done. Sailing and boat servicing industries should be the keenest to maintain the momentum of the America's Cup. They have an amenity in the Hauraki Gulf that the yachting world has seen at its best, and a regatta base that any city would envy. There cannot be much risk now that the seven syndicate bases on public land will not be retained, and every chance that other marinas will profit from providing additional bases next time. But the inspiration of Team NZ should be felt far beyond maritime activities.
The qualities the team exemplified should be absorbed deep into our business and political life. There could be a new upbeat mood in national debate. Teamwork is the key. All the sailors in Team NZ, not just those on the boat for the final races, were feted on the weekend. And, had there been room on the stage, all those in the supporting industries would have been welcomed to join them. Sir Peter Blake and Russell Coutts were indistinguishable by dress or demeanour from the rest of the team.
It all adds up to a style the new Government should project on a larger canvas. It has set out to give all New Zealanders a sense that they are appreciated and part of a national economic effort. Lip service to that principle will not be enough. Through education, cultural and social welfare polices, the Government can promote the value of art, skills and an ethic of enterprise for the greater good.
Its proper criticism of excessive salaries and extravagance in the public service can be turned in a constructive direction. Those who have studied Team NZ say individual financial incentives were not significant. Members were motivated rather by a sense of self-worth from their contribution to the collective performance. These are values that can continue to excite the country and give it renewed energy. The America's Cup may be over for the time being but the spirit of Team NZ may be just beginning.
<i>Editorial: </i>Keep the spirit and feel the nation lift
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