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:
- your views
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tarowig says"Tell me again why it is bad to ease up on visas for tourists to come here and spend money?"
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murray says"We face massive challenges in earning our way in the world, but if this latest dirty scheme is the best they can come up with, then we should all be very worried."
