Auckland really does need the convention centre agreed and announced today, the Employers and Manufacturers Association says.

“The Convention centre is a necessary component for Auckland to realise its ambitions in becoming an internationally focused city,” said Kim Campbell, EMA’s chief executive.

 “All international cities have the capacity to attract substantial convention related business and Auckland needs to be able to do this,” Mr Campbell said.

“The arguments for and against the centre have been well rehearsed and in the end the community may have to accept some trade-offs.

“As with many projects that bring with them new business, jobs and opportunity there can be a possible downside.

“We applaud the efforts being made to minimise negative social effects and recommend they be kept up.”