$5 Million for SailGP… but not enough for a kid to get into her own home? What are we even doing, eN-Zed?
Has eN-Zed gone completely stupid?
This week, we learned that SailGP wanted millions of dollars from eN-Zed’s Government to host their flashy, corporate yacht race on the Waitematā Harbour. Not just a bit of logistical support or help with infrastructure; no, they wanted straight-up cash. About $5 million.
Actually, scratch that, they wanted more than $5 million and turned down an offer at that level.
Let that sink in.
A global, profit-making sporting enterprise, backed by billionaires, dripping in sponsorships, selling tickets, broadcasting rights, VIP experiences — wanted New Zealand taxpayers to fork out millions so they could… make more money. Using our harbour.
Since when do businesses get paid to use public assets for private profit? Don’t most organisations pay rent? Fees? Something?
It’s cheeky. It’s outrageous. And honestly, it’s insulting.
But here’s the part that really sticks in the throat.
In the very same week, there’s a story out of Wellington about a family just trying to make their home livable. A teenage girl with cerebral palsy. Seven steps to get into her house. Seven. Her dad has been physically carrying her in and out because there’s no proper access.
They applied for help. The Government agreed to help, but capped the funding at $10,000.
The actual cost? Around $15,000.
So the family is left scrambling to find the extra $5,000. For something that isn’t a luxury. Not an event. Not a spectacle. A basic necessity. Dignity. Access. Safety.
And then, because this country still has good people even when the system falls short, a farmer steps in and donates the money.
A farmer.
Not a multinational. Not a government department. Not the Waipareira Trust. Just someone who saw a need and did something about it.
Meanwhile, we’re even entertaining the idea of handing over millions to an international sailing circus?
Are we seriously this backwards?
And don’t forget, that $15,000 job includes GST. So the Government claws back 15% of the cost anyway. We’re literally taxing accessibility and subsidising yacht races. Taking a cut from a family trying to get their daughter into her own home and giving it to billionaires to play with their toy boats.
But sure, let’s debate whether we should subsidise luxury yachts slicing through the harbour for the entertainment of sponsors and VIP lounges.
This isn’t about being anti-sport or anti-events. Big events can be great. They can boost tourism, bring energy, showcase the country. Fine.
But they should stack up. They should pay their way. And they should never come ahead of basic human needs.
Because right now, the contrast is brutal.
Millions on the table for SailGP.
Pennies pinched when it comes to a disabled kid’s front door.
That’s not just bad optics. That’s a failure of priorities.
And if we can’t see that, then honestly, what are we even doing?
And then there’s Te Pati Naori’s ex-President’s disgracefully racist haka. Where are the outcries over that?
eN-Zed 