Are you concerned about Govt links with Sky City?

8:29 AM Friday Nov 16, 2012

Photo / Richard Robinson.

The Government is facing renewed heat over its relationship with SkyCity after claims the casino operator lobbied it over a deal with China Southern Airlines to fast-track visas for wealthy Chinese visitors.

Immigration Minister Nathan Guy was forced to hastily announce the deal - which reduces visa requirements for wealthy China Southern Airlines passengers - after NZ First leader Winston Peters produced internal Immigration NZ emails revealing concerns it would allow criminals into the country.

Yesterday in Parliament, Mr Peters pressed his attack further, tabling an article which appeared in an online version of New Zealand TravelTrade magazine in August last year.

In the article, SkyCity's president of international business, Ejaaz Dean, was reported as saying the casino was "working closely with China Southern Airlines to bring VIP gamblers into Auckland seamlessly".

Are you concerned about Govt links with Sky City? Here is the latest selection of Your Views:

Observer2 (China) | 08:51AM Friday, 16 Nov 2012

Many people in NZ will be concerned by these reports. Casino's exist to exploit human weakness and do so with considerable success in many countries. Casinos owners often become absurdly wealthy but there is always a murkier side. Does the NZ community favour the Government taking a punt as well and whose expense will this punt be at?

Greek (Bay of Plenty) | 08:51AM Friday, 16 Nov 2012

Of course it does, when it seem we are building our policies around Sky City, and their requirements. More high rollers allowed into the country willy-nilly to stuff their coffers, without the normal border considerations, not on.

Changing our laws to suit them, what else is hidden, and what else will Winston find out?

Someone should ask the question about the number of 'anonymous' donations made to the National Party, and whether they emanated from Sky City and associates.

young student (New Zealand) | 08:51AM Friday, 16 Nov 2012

Yes, Especially after it was found that an Asian P ring used Skycity casinos as their metting places for their deals... very very concerning how blind this dumb Govt are. They need to live in the real world to see real world problems. And not be so surprised when crap like this happens.