Prime Minister John Key says talks with SkyCity over a new convention centre have been "dragging on'' and he does not know when a deal might be done.
The Government first announced the company was its preferred bidder to build the convention centre last June, but it is yet to finalise a deal that would involve more pokie machines at the Auckland casino in exchange for SkyCity stumping up $350 million for the centre's construction.
Mr Key today said he did not know when negotiations between the company and officials would wrap up.
"That's been dragging on for quite some time frankly because the Government obviously is looking to get the best deal it can for New Zealanders. SkyCity obviously wants the best deal for its shareholders,'' he told TV3's Firstline programme.
But Mr Key was confident he could get the support of Act leader John Banks and United Future leader Peter Dunne, whose votes he would need to change gambling laws.