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Backing Kiwi ingenuity: Toyota renews Partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand
Toyota New Zealand is proud to confirm it has renewed its longstanding partnership with Emirates Team New Zealand ahead of the defence of the 38th America's Cup, marking 34 years of backing one of New Zealand’s most iconic sporting teams.
Since 1992, Toyota has stood alongside the team through it all. It’s one of the longest-running sports partnerships in New Zealand; it has always been about more than logos on boats. It’s been about backing Kiwi ambition when it counts and bringing the America’s Cup to the people.
Toyota New Zealand Chief Strategic Officer, Andrew Davis, says the renewal reflects a shared mindset that has defined both organisations for more than three decades.
“We see something of ourselves in this team,” says Andrew Davis. “They’re relentless about improving, brave enough to try what hasn’t been done before, and proud to represent New Zealand on the world stage. For 34 years we’ve backed that spirit, and we’re just as committed as ever as they head into the 38th America’s Cup. At Toyota, we believe innovation should do more than push boundaries – it should inspire people and create excitement for New Zealand.”
Emirates Team New Zealand CEO - Grant Dalton says Toyota’s long-term backing has been instrumental to the team’s success and its ability to keep pushing the boundaries of innovation.
“Toyota has been with us through every phase of this journey – the highs, the rebuilds and the constant pursuit of doing things better,” says Dalton. “Having a partner that shares our commitment to innovation and representing New Zealand on the world stage is incredibly important. Their support helps enable the kind of thinking and engineering that keeps this team competitive at the very highest level.”
This commitment goes beyond the racecourse. Innovation has always been at the heart of the partnership. The team’s hydrogen-powered Chase Zero support boat, powered by Toyota fuel cell technology, is an example of what’s possible when Kiwi ingenuity meets world-class engineering. It’s proof that high performance and lower emissions can sit side by side – and that ideas developed here can influence the future of global mobility.
For Toyota, this partnership is about helping New Zealand lead, not follow. It’s about showing that a small country can think big, build smart and compete with the best in the world.
But it’s also about people. From the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron to the Toyota Optimist Nationals and the Toyota Kiwi Cup, Toyota supports the grassroots pathways that connect young sailors to the dream of one day wearing the silver fern. Those early starts on the water are where confidence is built, skills are sharpened and belief takes hold.
“When kids see Emirates Team New Zealand racing for the Cup, they’re not just watching sport. They’re seeing what’s possible,” says Andrew Davis. “If we can help create that pathway from local yacht club to the world stage, that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
As the 38th America’s Cup approaches, Toyota’s focus is simple: bring Kiwis together again. Toyota wants to create moments where the country stops, watches and feels connected. It also wants to help make the America’s Cup experience accessible and engaging for communities from Northland to Southland. It will also continue to serve as a rallying point for fans wanting to get behind the team.
After 34 years, the partnership between Toyota and Emirates Team New Zealand is built on trust, shared ambition and a deep belief in Kiwi capability. The technology may evolve and the boats may fly faster each campaign, but the purpose remains the same: backing New Zealand innovation, supporting our communities and standing proudly behind the team carrying our flag on the world stage.