America's Cup ceremony cloaks stolen

Traditional Maori flax cloaks which were to be used in New Zealand's representation at the America's Cup opening ceremony in Valencia have been stolen.

The 20 cloaks were to be sent to Europe today, but were taken from a ute in Auckland last night.

Cyril Wright had them ready to go in a big blue suitcase, when thieves broke in and stole the lot. He says the cloaks were to be worn by a group of Maori men paddling a waka.

Mr Wright says the cloaks were to be a big part of the ceremony and are probably of no use to anyone else.

- NEWSTALK ZB