It's time to show us your cards, John

Confirmation that it was John Key who offered the deal to Sky City so it could have more pokies in return for a convention centre shows this Government cares more about dodgy deals than doing what is right for New Zealanders, says Labour Leader David Shearer.

“I’m shocked that a Prime Minister would think it’s appropriate to say to Sky City – look if you’ll build us a convention centre, we’ll let you have more pokies. That is absolutely deplorable. It stinks.

“It appears this deal also cut right across a tender process. That is unacceptable. A convention centre may well be good for New Zealand and a draw-card for tourists. But we shouldn’t have to sell legislation to get it.

“We know that increasing the number of pokie machines will cause harm. It’s just not a price we should be prepared to pay.

“John Key has some explaining to do. He should stop trying to dodge questions and tell New Zealanders exactly what he’s giving away to Sky City.

It’s time to show us your cards, John.”

For more information go to:   http://www.labour.org.nz/show-us-your-cards-john