Auckland Nines safe despite Dick Smith’s financial woes

DICK Smith might have entered administration but the organisers of the Auckland Nines have proclaimed that the even will not be disrupted.

Auckland Nines

THE hugely popular Auckland Nines event — and its $2.34 million prizemoney — is under no threat, despite naming rights sponsor Dick Smith yesterday going into receivership.

Dick Smith was this week placed into voluntary administration, leaving the future of the electrical giant bleak.

Dick Smith is the naming sponsor of the Nines, with their deal to expire at the end of 2018.

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While “there’s still a little bit of money’’ owed by Dick Smith for this year’s Nines, the event, to be held on February 6 and 7, was in no danger of being disrupted, said Duco Events boss Martin Snedden.

“Everything is on track for this year, and the event will proceed as planned,’’ Snedden said.

“Dick Smith are also naming rights sponsors for 2017 and 2018, so I’ll guess we’ll have to wait and see what happens there, but our immediate focus is on making sure we deliver this tournament next month.

“There’s still a little bit of money owed, but that won’t get in the way of us delivering this event.’’

The Nines has proven an instant hit with viewers and the local Auckland economy. It’s understood Dick Smith will still appear on all 16 NRL clubs’ jerseys.

Snedden said Westpac, beko and the Auckland Tourism Events and Economic Development, as well as the NRL and Channel Nine, were still involved with the bumper pre-season event.

Snedden also confirmed the $2.34 million prizemoney was under no threat, and the impressive loot would be paid out to the clubs accordingly.

Teams will be finalised for the Nines by the end of the month, with South Sydney aiming to defend their crown.