Legislation to allow the building of a $402 million international-standard convention centre in Auckland passed its third and final reading in Parliament today.
"For the last 20 years the tourism industry and business sector have been seeking an international-sized convention centre to be built in New Zealand to ensure we compete with Australia and Asia by tapping into the growing market of high-value business visitors,'' Minister for Economic Development Steven Joyce said.
"The 3500-seat Convention Centre will generate significant spin-off benefits including a projected $90 million annual injection into the economy; an estimated 1000 jobs during construction; and 800 jobs once it is up and running.
"For little, if any, investment by taxpayers, New Zealanders will reap the benefits of a $402 million international-standard convention centre including an increase in GDP, new jobs, improved competitiveness as a business events destination and the attraction of more investors to New Zealand.''
Labour Leader David Cunliffe said a Labour government would not be bound by National's "shonky deal with its corporate mates at SkyCity''.
