February 27, 2013
Gambling problem in Auckland deal
Labour’s Māori spokesperson Parekura Horomia says the way the Government treated Ngāti Whatua over its proposed convention centre is shocking.
A report by the deputy auditor general has revealed the tribe and other bidders were strung along while officials negotiated a deal in which casino operator Sky City built the centre in exchange for being allowed to install hundred more pokies, which will bring in tens of millions of dollars in extra revenue each year.
Mr Horomia says that makes a shonky deal even worse.
“You know problem gambling, just amongst our people, is one of the biggest diseases in this country. To trade commercial aspect like this is quiet unbelievable. Worst still to not go through the basic tendering process and it would have brought down a Prime Minister down in the past,” he says.
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