Auckland-bound Huskies still alive and kicking despite trail of debt
“It wouldn’t take much due diligence from the New Zealand NBL to find out that money is owed, as I understand, to a large number of Tasmanian businesses, individuals and government organisations. Our expectation would have been that before this organisation started up in a new city that they would have paid their debts here in Tasmania.
“Council was really patient with this group in the first place and when the
Huskies management first approached our council we were really open to partnership arrangements to having them and their players involved with young people in our area.
“But over time the relationship soured because they didn’t fulfil their commitments to us, both financially but also to our community.”
Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston confirmed the GCC is still owed $1000 from the $19,000 for use of the Derwent
Entertainment Centre. “Now that we know they are active again in New Zealand, we will be contacting them again to seek payment for that $1000.
“It is very disappointing, they had representation in our community and they’ve left a trail of debt behind and it would be helpful if they were to pay that.”
Hobart Huskies coach Mark Chivers has only been paid a quarter of the contract he signed and said after numerous requests he has given up chasing his outstanding balance, while deputy premier Jeremy Rockliff told reporters the Government is seeking advice from the department of justice on any remaining outstanding debts.
NZNBL general manager Justin Nelson said despite the tumultuous end to the Huskies 2019 campaign, the league’s board had no hesitation in approving the franchise moving to Auckland.