America's Cup 2013 - ETNZ: Team New Zealand Returns to Heroes' Welcome!

Tears and Cheers as Team New Zealand Returns Home: 
12:21PM Monday September 30, 2013, Source: ONE News

 Dean Barker Receives Hero's Welcome: 06:42AM Monday Sept 30, 2013, Source: ONE News

 

Interview with Dean Barker: Published 07:15AM Monday Sept 30, 2013, Source: ONE News

Calls for celebration as Team NZ skipper and sailors return home
NZ Herald 8:22 AM Monday Sep 30, 2013

"Grinder, Waddell (on the left, against a backdrop of red socks, photo above) - said challenging for the America's Cup, particularly as the regatta continued for so long, was "testing'' and "tough'' - like "having an Olympic final every single day''.

"We were quite focused and trying to do the best we could, and it was humbling to see how much New Zealanders supported it and how much they were into it.

"We could certainly feel that support from over there, a huge contingent of New Zealanders came over throughout a large part of the regatta and all the messages of support you could see in the media, it was great, we are thrilled with that.''  Source: .nzherald.co.nz

"Team New Zealand crew members touched down on home soil this morning to a hero's welcome.

"Skipper Dean Barker said the reaction from fans was "mind blowing".

"Hundreds of fans camped out at Auckland Airport from before 5.30am to catch the team coming off their plane from San Francisco.

"Loud cheers erupted as the Kiwi team walked through the arrival gates to be met by family after almost five months away from home.

"Dedicated Team NZ followers travelled from as far as Tokoroa for a chance to meet their heroes. Draped in New Zealand flags, many still wearing their red socks, they waved banners and signs as they welcomed the team home...."  Source: .nzherald.co.nz

 

 Dean Barker takes time out for adoring fans as he chats, autographs and has photos taken with them @ Auckland Airport: Monday Sept 30, 2013, Source: ONE News