Doubtful days put strain on Makos' finances

Months of doubt surrounding the Tasman Makos' future in the Air New Zealand Cup have not helped in many areas, finances included.

Tasman Rugby Union (TRU) marketing and commercial manager Butch Bradley said yesterday the business sector did not like operating in an area of uncertainty when considering sponsorship deals, but he remained upbeat about the union's financial future.

The executioner's axe hung over Tasman's head for over a year, but the union gained yet another reprieve last Friday when the New Zealand Rugby Union (NZRU) bowed to public pressure and the threat of legal challenges and retained the current 14-team format for next year's Air New Zealand Cup competition.

Bradley has had one of the toughest jobs trying to raise funds in such an uncertain climate.

"The biggest problem is that sponsors are keen, the team has done well, but people are tired of the NZRU not making up their minds," he said.

"They would rather sponsor something that is easier.

"As we [TRU] are a little battle weary, so too are sponsors. They are part of the movement. The NZRU treat our sponsors the way they treat us. They [sponsors] feel it the same way we do – the emotional burnout.

"That's what this nonsense creates. Four months of doubt for everyone, and that hurts."

Bradley said several changes made in the way the TRU conducts its business has helped get the union into a position where it is expected to announce a financial surplus at the annual meeting about February. Bradley was full of praise for the work done in Marlborough by sub-union area manager Craig Morris in energising the region and attracting sponsors back to Tasman rugby.

However, it is an ongoing challenge, and the current economic climate makes it even tougher to get ahead. "A lot of new sponsors have come forward. Some have come to the end of their three-year deals. We are mindful of providing a wider range of sponsorship options."

Fonterra and Wrightson had left Tasman's sponsorship stable in the last couple of months, and SBS Bank had not confirmed its level of support for next year, but Bradley hoped it would contribute at some level.

He said a number of small businesses in Marlborough were keen to get on board.

The "Footy Club" deal was proving very popular, Bradley said. This required a $1000 contribution which entitled sponsors to various benefits, including match tickets and sponsor promotion.

The Canterbury Rugby Union and Crusaders recently announced a significant reduction in ticket prices for next season in an attempt to lure fans back to the ground. Bradley said Tasman would also look at that issue, but they had already moved in that direction last season, with the family-of-five pass for $30 an example.

He was confident the Tasman Makos' operation could be properly funded next year and beyond.

"I won't rest until we can. Our eyes are wide open to that responsibility. We've got a really good product, with loyal supporters and sponsors.

"We know there is no easy way, but we [are] very much upbeat about next year."

Meanwhile, the Tasman Makos coaching staff won't be confirmed until next month.

As reported in yesterday's Marlborough Express, the job is being advertised and last season's co-coaches, Kieran Keane and Bevan Cadwallader, have indicated their availability to continue, but only in head-coach roles.

- The Marlborough Express