A bid to help privately fund an America's Cup defence in Auckland denies there is any overseas involvement in its proposal.
Team New Zealand has repeatedly asked for details from oil company owner Mark Dunphy around the $80 million bid proposed by Kiwi Home Defence.
Team New Zealand boss Grant Dalton has expressed concern about where the money is coming from indicating in some media reports there could be some link with their rivals.
Photo: Photosport / Chris Cameron
In a tit-for-tat debate Dunphy denies there is any overseas link in its bid and his team are "not working with with, or on behalf of, any offshore interests."
"The Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron and Team New Zealand are aware of this. Any assertion to the contrary is completely untrue."
"We are simply a group of patriotic New Zealanders seeking nothing more nor less than to help....and ensure the successful home defence of the America's Cup in 2024," he said.
Mark Dunphy Photo: Photosport
Dunphy said his group has written four times to Team New Zealand seeking to meet and discuss their proposal.
Last week Team New Zealand delayed revealing the venue for the 37th America's Cup saying they needed more time to assess three international venue proposals - as well as Dunphy's bid.
Dunphy made the last-ditch attempt to keep the regatta in Auckland by promising to find local investment but Dalton is unconvinced it can compete with the money on offer elsewhere.
Grant Dalton. Photo: Photosport Ltd
