How corrupt is the Government’s SkyCity convention centre deal? asks Bryce Edwards.

SkyCity's new advertising campaign takes the warm and cuddly approach in stressing the company's community links, writes John Drinnan. At the same time, it is developing a reputation as an aggressive player with media.

While negotiating with the Government here on its Auckland project, SkyCity is considering spending more than the $366m it originally planned on its Adelaide property.

I think Andrew Little might have had his first Tony Abbott moment at Waitangi last Friday.

The convention centre agreement was sold as a deal that wouldn't cost taxpayers a cent - despite a clause that put them in the gun for any increased costs, Labour says.

Andrew Little appears to have been blessed by the gods of timing, writes Claire Trevett. Hot on the tails of Mike Sabin's resignation came the revelation SkyCity wanted a bit of taxpayer cash.

SkyCity Entertainment Group's shares rose after Prime Minister John Key wouldn't rule out using taxpayer cash to fund budget over-runs during construction.

Prime Minister John Key won't rule out using taxpayer money to stop SkyCity's convention centre becoming an "eyesore".

Auckland could boost SkyCity Entertainment Group's half-year result issued on Wednesday but Adelaide could drag it down.

It is widely acknowledged that international convention centres are essential elements that contribute to the growth and development of big cities.

Auckland mayor Len Brown says the council will not put any ratepayer cash into building or running an international convention centre.

SkyCity and the Government have managed to get their estimates about the cost of the international convention centre proposed for Auckland spectacularly wrong,

We show you how SkyCity's new convention centre would look in central Auckland, as details are revealed for the first time in its resource consent applications.

SkyCity's convention centre proposal has hit fresh turbulence as several high-profile former supporters declined to back the use of public funds to meet cost overruns.

SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison has just talked this taxpayer out of an Auckland convention centre.

There's an old maxim in poker - "If you don't know who's getting screwed, get up and walk away from the table because it is you."

City comes out swinging over Government suggestion that ratepayer cash be used to prop up SkyCity's international convention centre.

A Government proposal that ratepayers help cover a potential $130m blowout in the cost of SkyCity’s new convention centre is going down poorly with several councillors.

SkyCity's bid to build the convention centre was accepted for one reason: it did not need public money. Unless it can meet its side of the bargain, all bets are off.

SkyCity chief executive Nigel Morrison yesterday also confirmed his company wants a taxpayer-funded top-up and was willing to walk away from the deal if it doesn't get it.

SkyCity is holding all the cards in the latest round of negotiations with the Government over its increasingly expensive convention centre, Labour's Economic Development spokesman David Clark says.

Design improvements, a new five-star hotel and inflation have rocketed up the SkyCity convention centre's pricetag by as much as $130 million.

SkyCity Entertainment Group, the casino and hotel operator, is in talks with the government on how to fund the increased cost of as much as $130 million to build an international convention centre in downtown Auckland.