** Shares of Airtasker ART.AX rise as much as 4.4% to A$0.235, set for their best day since March 5, if gains hold
** The online marketplace for local services secures a strategic partnership with Nine Entertainment NEC.AX
** Company adds that under the deal, NEC to provide co with A$5 million ($3.47 million) in media capital to boost brand growth
** Stock down 33% this year, including the day's move
($1 = 1.4405 Australian dollars)
(Reporting by Rajasik Mukherjee in Bengaluru)
((Rajasik.Mukherjee@thomsonreuters.com))