Not a Sod Turned, But Jokers Come up Trumps on Convention Centre Deal

SkyCity has played a winning hand against Auckland ratepayers and taxpayers with its deal over the international convention centre, says New Zealand First Deputy Leader Tracey Martin.

“It will be at least four years before the now smaller convention centre opens but, in the meantime, SkyCity’s tills will be ringing from the extra pokies guaranteed to the company by Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce,” says Mrs Martin.

“New Zealand First believes that breaks the intent of SkyCity’s agreement with the government. The centre has been reduced and reduced in size. The pokies are tied to the building of the centre and should not come on stream till it opens.

“New Zealanders have made it clear they want no part in propping up a publicly listed casino company,” says Mrs Martin, whose Member’s Bill repeals the New Zealand International Convention Centre Act 2013, removing the potential of financial disaster for taxpayers and ratepayers.

“This deal was done behind closed doors with no chance of an open and transparent process for tender.

“The casino has hardly been big-hearted in agreeing to chip in an extra $28 million following the budget blow-out, considering the land it bought from TVNZ increased by $18 million in two years.

“The time to stop this deal is now when the cost to the taxpayer is minimal – once the construction deal is signed the taxpayer is up for costs should anything go wrong.”

ENDS

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