Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Tourism Minister Louse Upston open the New Zealand International Convention Centre, Auckland,
Photo: RNZ / Paris Ibell
Shortly after dawn on Wednesday, the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) finally opened its doors for the first time.
It’s been almost 13 years since the government announced the deal for Sky City to build the Centre in Auckland in exchange for an extension of its gambling licence and permission for an additional 230 slot machines.
Construction had been mired in delays, partly caused by the 2019 roof fire that took more than 10 days to extinguish.
The finished building can fit more than 4000 people, and is projected to generate more than the $90 million a year it was originally promised to bring to the economy.
At the opening, Prime Minister Christopher Luxon told reporters it was an exciting day, and the convention centre showed the government was working to build a “world class New Zealand”.
“Auckland is the engine room of the New Zealand economy. It’s home to a third of our populations, many of our largest and most successful businesses. But it’s also our gateway to the world,” he said.
Photo: RNZ / Paris Ibell
Luxon also paid tribute to former economic development minister Steven Joyce who struck the original deal that had Sky City build the venue.
When the project was announced more than a decade ago, Joyce said the centre would generate 800 jobs.
NZICC General Manager Prue Daly.
Photo: RNZ / Paris Ibell
But at the official opening, venue manager Prue Daly said the NZICC currently had just 75 full-time employees.
Sky City wanted to maintain a flexible workforce in the initial growth phase, she said.
“We will start with a relatively high number of casual employees, and then as we get into our usual operating rhythm, we will understand the more permanent sizes needed to run every day.”
Sky City would understand the business after six to 12 months, at which point it could commit to more permanent staffing, she said.
Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said the prime minister should be proud to be at the venue, given it was the National Party that got the ball rolling – referencing what he styled the “controversial” pokie deal.
“The construction of this has outlasted two Labour governments, and now you’re back again”, he said.
He lauded the efforts of Fletcher Construction in finishing the project.
Photo: RNZ / Paris Ibell
“It’s a wonderful building, a wonderful asset to our city.”
For his part, Fletcher Construction chief executive Andrew Reding said there were times during the building process that he wondered whether it would ever be completed.
“Before that unfortunate fire in 2019, we had spent 4.8 million man-hours constructing the building to that point. Since then, a further 9.8 million man-hours have been spent.
“This has been a phenomenally complex project.”
Sky City is currently suing Fletcher Construction for the delays in the project, and is seeking more than $330 million in damages.
The company alleges that Fletcher’s breaches of contract, including causing the 2019 fire, constitute negligence and have resulted in the project being more than six-and-a-half-years behind schedule.
The massive blaze, which broke out on the centre’s roof, was later found to be accidental.
A report from FENZ said it happened when the top layers of a waterproof membrane were being laid on the roof.
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.
Photo: RNZ / Paris Ibell
The opening ceremony
The opening ceremony commenced shortly after 7am, as representatives of Ngāti Whātua welcomed politicians, reporters and guests with karakia and pōwhiri.
The first welcome was by Kingi Makoare (Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei), who reminded the manuhiri (guests) of the participatory nature of karakia.
“It’s not just me doing my thing, everyone needs to be on the gig.”
Kingi Makoare of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei at the NZICC opening ceremony.
Photo: RNZ / Paris Ibell
Luxon was joined by Minister for Tourism and Hospitality Louise Upston and Minister for Auckland Simeon Brown, as he cut the ribbon – officially opening the site.
A procession through the building followed, as Makoare led the guests through main hall in near darkness, as tangata whenua continued their welcome formalities.
Speaking to manuhiri following the procession, Sky City chief executive Jason Walbridge said the opening of the convention centre marked a new chapter for Auckland and the rest of Aotearoa.
He gave thanks to tangata whenua for their partnership in the project.
“Your leadership has really helped shape this place, embedding culture, identity and meaning into the NZICC.
“You also have ensured … it reflects the whenua on which it stands.”
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown at the NZICC opening.
Photo: RNZ / Paris Ibell
The building has been designed to represent the realm of Tāne Mahuta, the forest, with exposed wood, carvings, and the sound of birdsong and running water echoing from speakers on the walls.
Sustainability was embedded into the operations of the new centre, Daly said in her speech.
“We are deeply committed to supporting our local community and businesses in an environmentally responsible way.”
The NZICC had received a Gold Qalmark Sustainable Tourism Business Criteria, she said.
More than 120 events had been booked this year and further bookings extended through the years ahead, Daly said.
“The NZICC team is ready to welcome guests through these doors and see this place come alive in the hands on New Zealand and the people it was built for.”
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