SkyCity Entertainment group has confirmed the official opening date for the recently completed New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC), which will open its doors for the first time on 11 February 2026.
Having taken possession of the facility from developer Fletcher Construction a month ago, SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said, “We can’t wait to welcome guests through the NZICC doors from Wednesday 11 February 2026. With more than 100 events confirmed for 2026, the NZICC is a powerful investment into New Zealand’s future, creating opportunities for local businesses, generating jobs for our wider community and elevating Auckland’s event capabilities on a world stage.”
Prue Daly, General Manager NZICC, added, “We look forward to celebrating this milestone with a series of special events during the first few weeks – from a dawn blessing and a spectacular showcase of the building and its world-class food and beverage, to a live concert and a public open day for everyone to enjoy.”
The journey from concept to completion has been a rocky one for NZICC, which has been delayed by almost six years from its originally planned 2020 opening date. This included a major fire that broke out on its roof in 2019, various COVID-related delays and the culmination of ongoing disputes that in June saw SkyCity launch legal proceedings against Fletcher Construction seeking NZ$330 million (US$200 million) in damages.
Once officially open, NZICC will be the largest conference, exhibition and entertainment venue in New Zealand, with capacity for up to 4,000 attendees. The NZICC theater will also be the largest seated theater in the country, seating 2,850 people, while the hall will be able to host 3,300 people for a banquet.
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