Ratepayers must not bailout Dick Smith NRL Nines

Auckland ratepayers should be worried council staff from ATEED are now deep in talks with Dick Smith NRL Nines promoters Duco Events following the naming rights sponsor of the February tournament going into receivership, says Auckland Councillor for Orakei, Cameron Brewer.

“Ratepayers are already pouring $12 million into the NRL Nines and as much fun as it is, most Aucklanders would think that’s more than enough.

“I appreciate the annual tournament’s economic benefits have supposedly been higher than what was forecast from the outset. However that can be no excuse for Auckland ratepayers now being thrown a hospital pass due to Dick Smith’s predicament.

“The worry is Len Brown is very gung-ho about the NRL Nines, and ATEED may now argue lifting ratepayers’ contribution on the grounds of regional economic benefits. However this sponsorship gap needs to be filled by the private sector, not by the poor old suburban ratepayer.

“As per usual Auckland Council will be seen by some as a soft touch. I call on the council leadership to now rule out any extra financial commitment from ratepayers,” says Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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