Update on the fire at New Zealand International Convention Centre
MEDIA RELEASE
24 October 2019
Update on the fire at New Zealand International Convention Centre
SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited is pleased to confirm that the fire at the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in Auckland is now under control.
Fire and emergency teams will remain on site until the fire is completely extinguished and can be handed back to Fletcher Construction, the main contractor for the NZICC and Horizon Hotel (which is also under construction and located adjacent to the NZICC).
SkyCity will be opening the Auckland precinct in a phased approach starting later today and expecting to fully resume normal business operations during Friday. This includes the Sky Tower, the casino (including VIP and main gaming floor), SkyCity Hotel, SkyCity Grand Hotel, car park and restaurants. SkyCity’s corporate offices will reopen on Tuesday 29th October.
With regard to the carpark, we can confirm that only cars on level B4 in the NZICC will have suffered water, damage despite efforts to pump water out. No customer cars are impacted. Cars parked on B4 belong to SkyCity employees and we estimate this to be less than 100 vehicles. SkyCity has committed to fully compensate employees for any damage that might result to their vehicles.
SkyCity thanks the fire and emergency services teams for their continued efforts in what has been very challenging circumstances, and the many individuals and organisations who have reached out to SkyCity to show their support.
CEO of SkyCity Entertainment Group, Graeme Stephens, says the focus for the team now is on getting the business reopened and fully operational. Thereafter we will be working with Fletchers as they investigate the damage to the convention centre and establish how best to rebuild.
“From the outset, we have shared our vision for the NZICC, New Zealand’s meeting place for the world, and we will work hard to ensure that it not only opens but provides world-class conference, exhibition and entertainment spaces for Auckland and New Zealand,” says Mr Stephens.
ENDS
For more information, please contact:
Laura Barrett
External Communications Manager
DDI: +64 9 363 7126
Mobile: +64 21 197 2845
E-mail: laura.barrett@skycity.co.nz