Labour MPs, including party leader David Shearer, have come under fire today after being spotted in Sky City's corporate box for the All Black Test at the weekend.
They're being accused of hypocrisy because of their party's vehement opposition to a deal between the casino giant and the Government to build a huge convention centre.
The deal saw Sky City agree to pay for the project as long as the Government changed the law to allow them to have more pokie machines and player tables.
At the time, Mr Shearer called the deal a "completely unfair, shonky process".
But at the weekend, he was spotted at Sky City's lush private hospitality suite at Eden Park alongside three MPs - former leader Phil Goff, Clayton Cosgrove and Kris Faafoi.
Green Party MPs and Government ministers have criticised Labour's decision to attend the game as guests of Sky City.
Justice Minister Judith Collins says they're a "bunch of hypocrites" who have "left their principles at the door".
"They should stop slagging off Sky City and be very happy to take their hospitality."
There were rumors Ms Collins was the one who dobbed them, in but she denies the allegations - although says she would have been happy to.
Green Party co-leader Metiria Turei says it is embarrassing and a real concern that Labour opposes the company but are happy to take gifts from them.
"They have undermined their own approach to this issue and their own opposition and that is sad […] It does undermine their own integrity," says Ms Turei.
Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce says the incident proves the Labour Party is "all over the show". Mr Goff rejected the criticisms of hypocrisy, saying he made his opposition to the deal clear to Sky City when he accepted their invitation.
"I go to functions every night of the week and I state my view and I'm not influenced in my decision making by them. It's just a part of Parliamentary life."
He says he went there to watch a game of rugby, not to lobby or be lobbied on the issue.
3 News
source: newshub archive
