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Team NZ holds Internet auction

Team New Zealand will defend the cup in February 2003

AUCKLAND, New Zealand -- America's Cup defenders Team New Zealand has offered cosmetic surgery and a chance to learn to fly a 747 in an Online fund-raising campaign.

Team NZ's Internet auction contrasts the differences between its $30 million budget and other teams' war chests with some syndicate having $85 million and upwards at their disposal.

Prime Minister Helen Clark cast the first bid on a scale model of New Zealand's Cup yacht used by the team in wind testing during design preparation for its 2003 Cup defence.

But her offer of $47 was quickly eclipsed as bidding reached $750.

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Supporters rallied to help the team, which has held the America's Cup since 1995, by donating an eclectic array of products and services to be sold.

An Auckland cosmetic surgeon offered his skills and New Zealand's national airline, Air New Zealand, offered time in its 747 flight simulator.

Premium French wines, designer furniture and sport and movie memorabilia were also offered. It is not known how much was raised.

New Zealand's Cup defence begins next February against the winner of the Louis Vuitton Cup challenger series, which begins in Auckland on October 1, featuring nine teams from six countries.