Didn’t cost taxpayers a cent

Radio NZ reports:

The long-delayed International Convention Centre in Auckland has formally been handed over to SkyCity several years behind schedule.

It marks a major milestone in a project, that when works began in 2015, was supposed to take 38 months.

“We’re delighted to finally have the keys,” SkyCity chief executive Jason Walbridge said.

The convention centre has not just taken extra time, it has also taken extra money.

Here’s the great thing – thanks to Steven Joyce the convention centre delays and cost blowouts have not cost taxpayers a cent. He worked out a deal where the private sector took all the risk.

So Auckland and New Zealand will benefit from having a dedicated convention centre that can attract global conventions – and no billion dollar bill for taxpayers!