As an avid sports fan, I don't believe that money in New Zealand sport has ruined it. I believe the fans are ruining it for themselves.
Unfortunately, in New Zealand, especially Otago, we only like supporting winning teams and prefer to watch it on the TV than go to the games.
Gone are the days of sell-out rugby and netball or even big crowds at the cricket.
For a sport to grow, team to succeed or produce revenue it needs bums-on-seats and support. In Dunedin, we have very little of either.
We have world-class cricketers, rugby players and athletes who no-one goes to watch because it's easier to get a dozen beers and watch it on the couch.
In Dunedin, we have a wonderful new stadium that protects us from the weather, and the best games to watch at it are the Phoenix and Otago United, because they've got fans who either can't watch it on the couch or are loyal supporters.
There was nothing better than the sound of the Otago chant around a full stadium like in the late 1990s when we were winning.
The players need the vocal and supportive voices behind them at the ground, not being wasted away behind curtains.
I believe most sports fans in New Zealand are lazy and and uncommitted, and that it's got to change to make our players better, get more money into the sports and get the coverage it needs to attract the media and marketing dollar.
I followed the Rugby World Cup around New Zealand, the All Whites to South Africa and throughout New Zealand, and I will be at the Olympics this year and the America's Cup next year.
If I can stand up and support Otago and New Zealand sport, get to the games and make these teams succeed, I'm not sure what the problem is for others.
Put down the remote and get to the games, and for our sake take your kids, because if they don't join the crowd, we may just lose what we love in the years to come.
- Written by Caleb Appleton.
