Sky City location for NZ National Convention Centre

The New Zealand Government is negotiating with entertainment group SkyCity to build a national convention centre in Auckland.
Prime Minister John Key said the project would create jobs, boost tourism and put the country on the map as a "business events destination" adding that "an international-sized convention centre is essential for New Zealand to tap into the growing market of high value business visitors we are currently missing out on."
Prime Minister Key added that the tourism industry and business sector had been asking for an international-sized convention centre for years.
The proposed 3,500-seat convention centre would be built between Auckland's Hobson and Nelson Streets and is expected to provide an estimated $90 million boost to the economy through new spending by additional international visitors.
It is projected that the Centre would attract 183,000 delegates annually, adding an extra 101,000 visitor nights and 350,000 additional delegate attendee days in Auckland.
SkyCity will pay the full construction costs for the centre, estimated at $350 million, but has asked that the Government consider alterations to gambling legislation and regulations.
However, Prime Minister Key said any discussion on reducing the entry age of 20 to casinos, allowing SkyCity an internet gambling licence or additional casino licences had been ruled out.
Areas under negotiation include an extension of SkyCity's licence beyond 2021 and a proposed increase in gambling tables and machines at its Auckland casino.
Mindful of potential opposition to changes in gambling regulations, Prime Minister Key added that "any changes to gambling regulations will be subjected to a full public submission process."
SkyCity Chief Executive Nigel Morrison said the new centre would create around 800 jobs once fully operational in January 2015.
The project has the support of the Auckland Council, with Mayor Len Brown calling it a "timely boost to the economy in the CBD."
The New Zealand Hotel Council also welcomed the announcement while the Tourism Industry Association New Zealand (TIANZ) said that the development of a national convention centre would give a significant boost to New Zealand's economy.
TIANZ Chief Executive Tim Cossar added "a national convention centre able to host major international conferences is a key component of a successful visitor economy."
TIANZ has been a longstanding advocate for a New Zealand national convention centre.