Auckland Council "has refused to confirm or deny" whether taxpayers will have to stump up more cash to fund the National Rugby League Auckland Nines following major sponsor Dick Smith "going into receivership," according to Tao Lin of STUFF.
Auckland Tourism, Events and Economic Development (ATEED) CEO Brett O'Riley "has confirmed that event organiser Duco Events has not approached ATEED for additional sponsorship, nor does it plan to." When asked whether the council could confirm whether Auckland taxpayers "will have to cover further costs for the event as a result of Dick Smith's financial woes," the mayor's office replied, "Sponsorship investment in the NRL Nines on behalf of Auckland Council is set at NZ$1.75 million ($1.1M) for 2016." Auckland councillor for Orakei Cameron Brewer warned Auckland taxpayers in a statement that ATEED was "deep in talks" with Duco and that ATEED may now "argue lifting ratepayers contribution on the grounds of regional economic benefits." He said, "Ratepayers are already pouring NZ$12 million ($8M) into the NRL Nines and as much fun as it is, most Aucklanders would think that's more than enough" (STUFF, 1/6).
