The SkyCity convention centre has always been controversial, as local residents opposed the plan. Now, the deal has been finalized but residents are still wary about the effect that the new convention centre will have on the local gambling industry. As such, the Salvation Army has done the math to determine just how much the new venue will cost locals.
According to the Salvation Army, the SkyCity convention centre is not an ‘ethical procurement’. In exchange for building the city’s new $402 million convention centre, SkyCity will receive a 27-year license extension, 230 new pokies and 40 new table games. While the new centre and casino expansion will create more jobs, the Salvation Army wonders if its worth it.
According to the report, every new pokie will bring in an additional $150 000 per while each new table game will generate $1.8 million in revenue. This means that SkyCity will earn an extra $106 million every year due to the new games that have been granted as part of the convention centre deal. “Costs of $402 million to build and run the convention centre don’t seem so altruistic in the light of this,” the report reads.
It is certainly true that the SkyCity convention centre and subsequent casino expansion will benefit the local economy. However, the Salvation Army wonders at what cost. There is some doubt that the casino operator has the best interests of the general public at heart, and the organisation making these concerns known. “Let’s be clear: The Salvation Army wants to see more jobs for Aucklanders and a more prosperous economy.
But we are opposed to New Zealand selling legislation to secure these gains”.
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