Josh Hoskin Smart Money [email protected]

The Otago rugby situation highlights an important investment lesson – make sure the business you are about to invest in is connected with its market.

For me, as a former student who spent three fun-filled years at Otago University supporting the likes of Ellis, Leslie and Timu, this is a sad week.

There are many factors why Otago has failed, but I think the NZRFU need to look at one particular part which I believe is the general growing lack of interest from the public.

Crowd numbers have certainly dwindled during the years at Carisbrook. Night time rugby is often blamed, but I think it is more about a lack of connection with the public. For me, there is an over saturation of rugby and this over saturation has brought about a slow decline in interest.

The over saturation of rugby has also led to the unavailability of All Blacks. The public gets confused because on one hand, advertising is telling them to watch these guys because they are so great, but then much of the rugby at provincial level actually does not involve them. Does anyone else think an overhaul is needed? Our rugby strength has been based on strong competition at domestic levels, if this waivers, our chances of another Rugby World Cup victory reduce markedly.

If you are an investor, you should think twice about having any involvement with a company that is losing touch with its market.

The article is based on personal opinion and may not be representative of the views of Goldridge Ltd. Josh Hoskin is an authorised financial adviser with Goldridge Wealth Management. A copy of his Disclosure Statement is available free on request. This article is not personalised advice under the Financial Advisers Act 2008. Readers should not act on any suggestions in this column without taking professional advice that takes into account their current circumstances and appetite for risk.