A win for taxpayers

Steven Joyce has announced:

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce today announced that the Government and SkyCity have reached agreement on the next stages of the International Convention Centre (NZICC) project.

SkyCity has agreed not to pursue a financial contribution from the Government and instead will amend its design to ensure the facility can be completed without financial input from the Crown.

“I welcome SkyCity’s agreement with the Government’s approach,” Mr Joyce says. “This clears the path for the project to continue.

“I have repeatedly stated since December that our least preferred option is for the Government to contribute funding for the project. I am pleased to confirm that will be the case.”

That’s a great outcome – both for taxpayers, and the Government. Also a great outcome for Auckland in that they will get the 800 jobs and $49 million economic boost from having an international convention centre. I’m pleased Sky City saw sense, and that the Government held firm.