They've had to negotiate some choppy waters but the Economic Development Minister is pleased with the America's Cup deal.

David Parker's satisfied with both the $212-million cost and the minimal intrusion into the harbour.

He says they managed to knock $50 million off the final bill - which sees the Crown pay $114-million and Auckland Council $98.5 million.

Parker told Mike Hosking brokering the deal with Team New Zealand wasn't always a walk in the park.

"Grant Dalton is a very clever and tough guy to sail around the world. He has been focused on getting a decent outcome for himself and the country."

LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW WITH MIKE HOSKING ABOVE