The Otago Rugby Football Union had planned to apply to the High Court to put itself into liquidation but has put off making the step for another week.
The situation still looks gloomy, but yesterday's announcement suggests there is still some life in the union yet.
As part of its $2.3 million debt, the ORFU owes 180 creditors $180,000. They will be out of pocket unless the 131-year-old union can find a solution for its dire financial trouble.
"I suppose it is a good thing," Dickson said when informed of the development.
"Obviously, we want to keep the union going. If people do come together, and the union is saved, then all those businesses and people who have put money into the union will hopefully get something back out of it.
"The other side of it is if they do liquidate, they can start from scratch. But I don't think a lot of people are too keen to do that.
"It is concerning for all those people that are owed money and I think there would be a lot of bad feeling around the community if they did liquidate and started back up from scratch."
Otago prop Scott Manson was also buoyed by the news.
"For us, it is a positive thing," Manson said.
"We are not going to get our hopes up too high but it is showing there is some sort of hope. I guess a lot of thanks has to go to Rob Nichol and the players' association for getting the parties together around the table and trying to find a solution."
The Otago contracted players were paid on Monday for the month ahead. The New Zealand Rugby Players' Association picked up the bill.
