Practical completion milestone achieved for New Zealand International Convention Centre

2025-11-05

05 Nov 25

Practical completion milestone achieved for New Zealand International Convention Centre

The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has reached a significant milestone with the achievement of practical completion.

SkyCity Entertainment Group has officially taken possession of keys and moved onto the premises, and commissioning is now underway with a focus on final fitout and testing ahead of official opening in February 2026.

The milestone was marked with a formal blessing led by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, consisting of a formal pre-dawn ceremony acknowledging connection between people and place, and marking the intention and purpose of the space into the future.

Located in the heart of Tamaki Makaurau Auckland, the project is strategically placed to engage with Auckland’s innovation ecosystem of universities, business headquarters, and commercial hubs. As well as a connected central location, the site also benefits from visual links to the natural landscape, with views from the Waitakere Ranges to the Waitemata Harbour.

The $750 project is set to redefine New Zealand’s business and events landscape, offering world-class facilities and the capacity to host more than 4,000 delegates across its flexible, purpose-built spaces.

Serving as a catalyst for growth, the centre will strengthen Auckland’s reputation as a global events destination, with the capacity to host large-scale global summits, trade exhibitions, and concerts.

Designed by Warren and Mahoney with Woods Bagot and Moller Architects in association, this large-scale public building includes an integrated atrium and public laneway, employing a vertically stacked, flexible floorplate that allows seamless delegate movement between meeting, exhibition, and performance spaces.

Woods Bagot Associate Principal and project leader Eric Buhrs says the development will inject vibrancy and energy into the heart of the city, creating a dynamic hub for business, culture, and tourism.

“The NZICC will not only attract international conferences and major events but also drive significant economic activity, supporting nearby hotels, retailers, and local hospitality operators,” says Buhrs.

He adds that as a cornerstone of Auckland’s midtown regeneration, NZICC is poised to catalyse investment, revitalisation, and a renewed sense of community within the surrounding precinct.

“The NZICC will play a pivotal role in shaping Auckland’s identity as a world-class destination for both business and leisure.”

The NZICC is expected to attract around 33,000 international delegates annually, contributing to around $90 million in economic spend each year. NZICC General Manager Prue Daly says the convention centre team has worked hard to curate a diverse events calendar for 2026, with over 100 activities already confirmed following the official opening in February.