Last week, Sky City announced that it would be spending $402 million to build Auckland’s new convention centre, in return for 230 new pokies and 40 new table games. The news did not go over well with local politicians, and they are hoping to fight the deal. Today, they will meet to voice their concerns about the plan and discuss potential methods of repealing the deal.
The meeting has been organized by The Greens, who have invited city councillors, gambling experts and health professionals. The political party would like to obtain opinions from many different members of the community, since neither Sky City nor Premier John Key addressed the general public when negotiating the deal. The Greens are most concerned about the license extension that SkyCity has been granted.
In return for building the convention centre, the casino will have its license extended from 2021 to 2048. For the next 35 years, Sky City has received unconditional approval to operator in Auckland, and The Greens believe that this is an irresponsible decision. "To guarantee 35 years out that this legislation is to be set in stone for that length of time is wrong," says Labour leader David Shearer.
“That is reckless, outrageous that Government hands in the future will be tied to this deal." Ever since the deal was announced, The Greens have been opposed to it. Members of the political party criticised the way in which key information was kept from the public and how the local government carried out negotiations behind closed doors.
When a decision of this size is made, it is important for the community to be consulted – but that never happened. Now, The Greens are giving members of the general public the chance to weigh in.
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