SKYCITY Entertainment Chosen to Develop New Zealand International Convention Centre

June 20, 2011

The New Zealand government chose SKYCITY Entertainment to develop the New Zealand International Convention Centre on a three acre site.

SKYCITY Chief Executive Nigel Morrison said this is an important and long anticipated development for both Auckland and the New Zealand convention and tourism industries.

“SKYCITY is excited to be involved in this development, and we welcome the opportunity,” said SKYCITY CEO Nigel Morrison. “We envisage that the New Zealand International Convention Centre on this site will be an iconic building in the heart of Auckland, central to hotels, universities, theatres, entertainment and all forms of hospitality. It will be something we can all be proud of.

He added, “Once completed and fully operational, this development will create approximately 800 new skilled jobs for young New Zealanders, rejuvenate the surrounding precinct and create substantial new business, retail and tourism opportunities.”

In addition, Morrison said, 1,000 people will need to be hired during the construction phrase. SKYCITY estimates a January 2015 opening for the New Zealand International Convention Centre.

Officials estimate the new center will attract more than 183,000 delegates each year, generating more than 350,000 delegate days attending international and domestic conferences, events and exhibitions.

It also is estimated the NZICC will generate around $90 million of visitor expenditure in the local economy every year.

“Auckland will now be in a position to attract major international conferences and exhibitions that New Zealand currently misses out on,” Morrison said.

He added, “These will bring large numbers of new international convention delegates and visitors to Auckland and New Zealand. SKYCITY is an award-winning operator in the conventions industry, currently operating the largest convention facility in Auckland. We look forward to working together with the Government, the Auckland Council and the convention and hospitality industries to make this vision a reality.”

SKYCITY will fund the full development costs, estimated to be around $350 million.

As part of the proposed deal, SKYCITY will negotiate with government some changes to the regulations that cover its casino activities.

These changes include an increase in the capped number of gaming tables and machines and an extension to the existing casino license in Auckland beyond its current renewal date of 2021.

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