Convention centres and public subsidy

Is a loss-making convention centre the most worthy recipient of a public subsidy?

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26th May, 2012

The row that has erupted over the proposed SkyCity convention centre in Auckland involves gambling, but there are deeper fiscal issues. But this is not a column about gambling, even though a study I was involved with found that pokies were the most damaging of all forms of gambling. It is argued that New Zealand needs an international convention centre; Auckland is the only centre with the necessary associated facilities. But convention centres run at a loss. The profits go to other facilities, so – it is said – the economy as a whole benefits. If we are going to have a centre, there ...

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