Appendix 1: Terms of reference for our inquiry

Inquiry into the Ministry of Economic Development’s expressions of interest process for proposals to establish an international convention centre

13 June 2012

The Deputy Auditor-General, Phillippa Smith,¹⁷ has decided to carry out an inquiry into the expressions of interest (EOI) process for proposals to establish an international convention centre. This document sets out the terms of reference for the inquiry.

Background

In 2010, the Ministry of Economic Development carried out an EOI process, on behalf of the Government, seeking proposals to build an international convention centre. On 12 June 2011, the Government announced that it was negotiating with SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited, whose proposal had been selected as the best option.

Metiria Turei MP, Co-Leader of the Green Party, wrote to the Auditor-General on
24 April 2012 to ask for an investigation, in light of concerns raised about the fairness and adequacy of the process.

The inquiry

The inquiry will examine:

• the overall process for seeking and assessing proposals for an international convention centre;
• the adequacy of the assessment of the likely costs and benefits of each proposal; and
• any other matters the Deputy Auditor-General considers it desirable to report on.

The inquiry is being carried out under sections 16 and 18(1) of the Public Audit Act 2001.

17: The Auditor-General, Lyn Provost, has a small shareholding in SkyCity and so is not involved in any matters relating to this inquiry.