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SkyCity is marking 30 years of operation in Auckland, as the company sets its sights on shaping the next phase of entertainment, tourism and gaming in New Zealand.
Since opening on Friday, February 2, 1996, SkyCity Auckland has welcomed more than 100 million visitors and grown into the country’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment precinct.
The precinct now employs more than 2,900 people, with staff collectively speaking or writing more than 60 languages. SkyCity recently recognised 42 employees who have remained with the company since its first year of operation.
Chief executive Jason Walbridge says the milestone reflects both scale and evolution.
“Thirty years is an incredible milestone,” Jason says. “Over that time, SkyCity has developed into a vibrant precinct that includes the Sky Tower, a world-class casino, three hotels, 17 food and beverage outlets, a theatre and the New Zealand International Convention Centre.”
SkyCity Auckland currently welcomes around five million visitors each year, a figure expected to rise with the opening of the New Zealand International Convention Centre on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
SkyCity says the convention centre is expected to attract around 33,000 new international visitors annually and inject more than $90 million into the economy.
Jason says the company is also positioning itself for potential change in the gaming sector, including the possible introduction of regulated online casino gaming in New Zealand.
“Gaming is evolving, bringing together in-person and digital experiences,” he says. “If a regulated online market emerges, our focus would be on strong consumer safeguards and maintaining SkyCity’s long-standing commitment to responsible gambling.”
Alongside commercial growth, SkyCity says community investment remains a core focus. Over the past 30 years, SkyCity Auckland has distributed more than $66 million to over 2,000 community organisations through the SkyCity Community Trusts, supporting initiatives ranging from grassroots sport and education to Māori and Pasifika youth leadership programmes.
To mark the anniversary, the Sky Tower was lit gold last night, February 2, recognising SkyCity’s staff, history and future ambitions.
