January 21, 2015
Convention centre a bad gamble
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says Sky City’s attempt to wring money out of ratepayers or taxpayers to fund its new convention centre confirms the lousy deal the National Government did with the casino operator.
Other contenders to build the convention centre including Ngati Whatua o Orakei complained they were treated unfairly by the Government.
Mr Peters says the Sky City proposal was the worst on the table because it was based on changes to the gambling laws which would give it an extra $40 plus million a year in profits.
He says the deal should never have been approved, and the Government shouldn’t continue to promote casino gambling.
"What sort of business is it when you walk in the door and say ‘Here’s all my money, I hope to get some of it back.’ It’s bad for Maori and it’s bad for the country," Mr Peters says.
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