Well .. YNZ were caught fondling themselves.. The shame of being found out to be major fondlers forced them to send out a half hearted "its not our fault letter". They would have had this "letter" as a fall back position knowing, the letter has about as much good as pissing on a bushfire.. They would have calculated that many would be gullable to believe in its effectiveness and so let them off the hook.. Just like you, and the ITA, just did..

But you know what, they, along with others like "US sailing" are at fault. Their vote was thought out and ratified well before the vote.. So don't kid yourself it was a simple "mistake" .. It was a well thought out researched strategy to gain personally/nationally. They knew the consequences and zone they represented.. Australia and New Zealand represent not just the country but all of Oceania.

Fortunately for YNZ the issue is now dead.. The chances of getting cats back into 2012 is over as US sailing will see its dead.. Maybe in 2020 they will be restated. But don't hold your breath..
So what to do.. Take a leaf out of the United States rule book on diplomacy and use "shock and awe" tactics..

I would suggest the "International" classes strip their "titles" from all NAs that voted against the cats.. Strip ISAF of veto of the ability to control cat "International" status..
But these things wont happen.. Sure guys will work to reinstate and guide the powers.. But I have zero faith in the process...