SkyCity is suing Fletcher Building and the Fletcher Construction Company for $330 million, saying it had taken 10 years instead of three to build the New Zealand International Convention Centre. 

In an NZX notice issued today, SkyCity explained the action. 

The claim seeks damages for losses incurred by SkyCity arising from ongoing delays in the completion of the project, including as a result of the 2019 fire. 

The project is now nearly six and a half years behind the contractually agreed delivery date of January 2019, SkyCity said. 

SkyCity’s claim alleges breaches of contract, including those which caused the fire, constituted gross negligence, and/or a persistent, flagrant or wilful neglect to carry out obligations under the building works contract. 

SkyCity claims that it is entitled under the contract to liquidated damages of over $330m from Fletcher. 

“SkyCity has attempted to resolve these claims by agreement with Fletcher but has been unable to do so.” 

SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said the project was significantly delayed. 

Walbridge on Hobson St outside the headquarters of the business. Photo / Jason Oxenham 

“The NZICC was originally scheduled to take approximately three years to build, and it has now taken almost ten. 

“This is a project of key importance not only for SkyCity but also Auckland and the wider New Zealand economy. 

“We remain confident in our opening date of February 2026 and expect the building to be handed over to us in the second half of this year,” he said. 

Fletcher is due to finish the work at the end of this month. 

Wallbridge said his company was preparing for the handover. 

“We are ramping up for opening with recruitment for key positions already underway and 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 this matter in accordance with its continuous disclosure obligations. 

Anne Gibson has been the Herald‘s property editor for 25 years, written books and covered property extensively here and overseas.