27 June 2013

Time for Mayor to stop supporting SkyCity deal

Auckland Mayor Len Brown needs to rethink his support of the SkyCity deal following a resounding vote against it by the Auckland City Council, Green Party gambling spokesperson Denise Roche said today.

A majority of Auckland City councillors voted for a motion put forward by Councillor Cathy Casey that the council doesn't support a convention centre in return for changes in legislation to increase gambling at SkyCity casino.

“The Auckland City councillors who voted against the SkyCity deal are simply reflecting their voters dislike of this deal,” Ms Roche said today.

Public opinion has also turned against the Government's SkyCity convention centre deal. The latest Herald-DigiPoll survey shows 61.5 per cent of those polled disapprove of the deal while 33.8 per cent approve.

“No-one likes this deal apart from SkyCity, Steven Joyce and John Key,” said Ms Roche.

“The SkyCity deal will lead to more social harm from the massive increase in gambling opportunities it allows.

“This deal is also now being heavily criticised by international organisations such as Transparency International.

“An interim report from this influential group released recently showed that the SkyCity deal raised concerns about fiscal transparency, accountability, and regulatory issues.

“The SkyCity deal is bad for Auckland, will lead to more social harm, and is now dragging New Zealand’s reputation as a transparent and corruption free country to conduct business in down the gurgler.

“Mayor Brown needs to remember that he represents the people of Auckland,” said Ms Roche.

“He needs to start listening to what they are saying about the SkyCity deal and pull his support for this deal before his Mayoralty is compromised.”

Link to Transparency International report on New Zealand:

http://www.transparency.org.nz/

ENDS

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