Hamilton City Council sets up negotiating team to resolve rugby debt

Hamilton City Council has set up a negotiating team to resolve the outstanding debt issue with the Waikato Rugby Union (WRU).

The team comprises of Mayor Julie Hardaker, Councillor Peter Bos, Acting General Manager of Community Services Lance Vervoort, Events Facilities Manager Mark Christie, and a legal representative.

The WRU currently owe Council $953,000 in arrears for rent at Waikato Stadium.

The City Council's Community Development Committee recently endorsed a staff report with recommendations on how to solve the problem.

The negotiations are to start immediately so a solution can be found as soon as possible.

A repayment plan was agreed upon in September 2010. However, the WRU has been unable to meet this plan or a number of scheduled monthly payments since.

The council is seeking a sustainable agreement and a realistic repayment plan, Mayor Hardaker stating "rugby across the country is struggling to attract crowds and what we are seeking to achieve is the best outcome for the ratepayer."
Council aims to present the WRU with a number of options for the debt to be repaid.

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