May 14, 2013
Māori Party opposes Sky City sweetheart deal
Māori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell has slammed the Government’s Sky City conference centre deal.
The casino operator will pay for a $400 million centre in exchange for 230 additional pokie machines, 52 more gaming tables and an extension on its casino licence until 2048.
Mr Flavell says the deal tramples on the progress many communities have made in protecting themselves from the hazards of problem gambling.
While his private gambling harm reduction bill would give communities more say in decisions about the provision of gambling, the deal gives communities no say at all in what Sky City is doing.
He says the Māori Party has always been totally opposed to any special arrangements which would enable Sky City to reap further benefits from problem gamblers.
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