AUSTRALASIA – Critics of plans to build an international convention centre in Auckland, New Zealand have slammed the developers’ new advertising campaign.
Casino company SkyCity has unveiled plans for a ‘world class’ convention centre with facilities that would create “one of the most sought-after venues in the city”.
The consent application was submitted to Auckland Council just before Christmas.
SkyCity has since announced an NZ$70m (US$50m) to $130m ($93m) shortfall in funding for the $400m ($288m) project. Its 1,700-page submission is being scrutinised by city officials in the New Zealand capital.
Opponents of the scheme say a new ad campaign deliberately ignores the controversial deal with the government.
Marketing expert Brandon Wilcox branded the ad a case of “good-washing”.
He said: “It’s a clear reaction to the criticism they have come under. People aren’t stupid. They know that at its core it is a gaming corporation.”
SkyCity spokesman Colin Espiner said the ad was intended to share the story of the staff and the business.
The entertainment group’s share rating has been downgraded to ‘sell’ by two different share analysts.
Do you have a story for CMW? Email: John Keenan
