4 May 2018

Helen Clark named as Team NZ patron

12:11 pm on 4 May 2018

Former Prime Minister Helen Clark has been announced as the patron of America's Cup defender Team New Zealand.

Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton with new team patron Helen Clark.

Team NZ chief executive Grant Dalton with new team patron Helen Clark. Photo: Supplied

Team chief executive Grant Dalton made the offer, and said Ms Clark would become an ongoing advocate of the team up to the 2021 defence in Auckland.

"She has been a staunch supporter of Emirates Team New Zealand for a long time, and certainly since I joined the team in 2003 her ongoing support through its highs and lows has been a motivating factor for me personally."

Ms Clark said she was thrilled with her new role.

"Emirates Team New Zealand are tremendous ambassadors for New Zealand: as fair players and as a dedicated and resilient team, they embody values we hold dear in our country.

"As well, Emirates Team New Zealand's efforts and profile build interest in New Zealand as a destination, an innovator and designer, an exporter of technology, and a good country with which do business."

She said she was happy to help mobilise goodwill and support at home and abroad.

The team enjoyed significant government sponsorship from Helen Clark's Labour-led government for the 2007 Valencia campaign, and committed $36 million for San Francisco campaign in 2013, which was delivered by the National-led government.