Joyce Stumped as He Tries to Explain SkyCity ‘Secret’

The government’s ‘Mr Fix It’ man Steven Joyce is in a muddle trying to mask why it took him a year to reveal the SkyCity contract was not a goer, says New Zealand First.

“Both Mr Joyce and the Prime Minister are responsible for this shambles, altogether their relationship with SkyCity was much too close,” says Leader Rt Hon Winston Peters.

“Only four weeks after they legislated to gift SkyCity more pokies and gaming tables, in exchange for a $402 million convention centre, SkyCity came back and said it was impossible.

“That was an alarm bell, a ‘get out smart’ card, but the government dithered, hiding behind the need to gather concepts and plans.

“It took a year, then finally they told the public the casino company wanted up to $130 million of taxpayers’ money to get the centre built.

“SkyCity either ran circles around Messrs Key and Joyce, or they were content to go along with it all. Profit for their business mates is king.

“It’s only been thwarted because opposition parties have spoken out, and the public have turned sour on the proposal.

“The government’s backoff is at what cost? What did the ‘dealer’ insist on?

“Mr Key promised a free convention centre, we doubt it.”

ENDS

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