SkyCity Entertainment Group is seeking NZ330 million (US$199 million) in liquidated damages from developers over delays to its New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) project.
The group said it will launch legal action against Fletcher Building Limited and the Fletcher Construction Company Limited over the case. Together, the developers have been working on the NZICC project for several years.
Initially, work was to be completed by an agreed delivery date of January 2019. However, a fire at the location in 2019 led to lengthy delays and the project is six years behind schedule.
In its challenge, SkyCity alleged that Fletchers’ breaches of contract, including those that caused the fire, constituted gross negligence, or a “persistent, flagrant or willful neglect to carry out obligations under the building works contract.”
SkyCity added that it sought to resolve these claims by agreement with Fletchers but has been unable to do so. As such, it is seeking hundreds of millions of dollars in liquidated damages.
SkyCity Remains Confident of 2026 Opening
“The NZICC was originally scheduled to take approximately three years to build, and it has now taken almost 10,” SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said. “This is a project of key importance not only for SkyCity but also Auckland and the wider New Zealand economy.”
However, despite the impending launch of legal action, SkyCity is still confident the project will complete early next year. Walbridge said the February 2026 opening date remains, with SkyCity to take control of the building in H2 2025.
“We are ramping up for opening with recruitment for key positions already underway,” Walbridge said. “We have exciting plans to celebrate finally being able to open our doors and welcome visitors to enjoy the world class experience we will have on offer.”
SkyCity said it will keep the market informed on the legal case.
