1 May 2012

Poll suggests conditional approval for convention centre

11:49 am on 1 May 2012

An opinion poll has found majority support for the proposed convention centre deal in Auckland but only if it includes a reduction in gambling machines elsewhere in the city.

The Herald-Digipoll survey found 40% of those questioned unconditionally opposed the deal being negotiated between the Government and casino operator SkyCity.

Just under 20% approve the deal, but a further almost 38% support it if there is also a drop in gambling machines at other venues.

The deal being negotiated would involve SkyCity funding the $350 million dollar centre in return for law changes allowing it to expand its casino.

Of those questioned, 2.4% expressed no view. The survey polled 850 people and has a margin of error of 3.6%