BusinessNZ has welcomed today’s agreement for a new international convention facility in Auckland.

Chief Executive Phil O’Reilly says New Zealand is currently lacking large convention infrastructure, and the SkyCity development will result in new business, growth and jobs that would not otherwise have occurred.

“For New Zealand to deliver on the goal of achieving more high value tourism, an international quality convention centre is essential.

“New Zealand, as one of the most remote tourism destinations on earth, needs facilities and attractions of world standard.

“The partnership model that the Government and private sector are working together on for this facility is a good example of creativity and sound planning.”

Mr O’Reilly welcomed the harm minimisation measures to deter problem gambling and noted that the number of additional pokie machines for the centre was the same as already granted in 2001, and would occur within a planned phase-down in numbers of overall.

“Auckland and New Zealand will gain economic benefits from this development,” Mr O’Reilly said.