MEDIA RELEASE
Hone Harawira, MANA Leader and MP for Te Tai Tokerau

New Pokies for Sky, More Misery for Kiwis
Tuesday 12 November 2013

"Today government will ram through legislation to let Sky City Casino massively expand their casino operations regardless of the damage government already knows will be caused to ordinary Kiwi families,” says MANA leader and MP for Tai Tokerau, Hone Harawira.

This afternoon Parliament will pass the New Zealand International Convention Centre Bill to allow Sky City to expand their casino operations, in return for building a convention centre.

"Granting 230 new pokie machines, 52 new gambling tables, and a 35-year licence extension, is simply not worth the increase in relationship breakdowns, depression, suicide, family violence, increased money laundering, job losses, increased problem gambling and financial problems, as identified by government's own Ministry of Business, Innovation and
Employment-compiled regulatory impact statement.”

"The return to Sky City will far outweigh the financial cost of the convention centre which means they, along with the National and Labour MPS they've showered with gifts to keep them on side, will be the big winners”, says Harawira.

"MANA has opposed the Bill at all stages and will actively campaign to repeal the legislation after the next election,” said Harawira.

ENDS

© Scoop Media