SkyCity returns almost to normal

Tuesday, 9 June 2020

Auckland's Sky Tower is back along with most of SkyCity's casinos and restaurants as the country moves to Level 1.

Casino operator SkyCity Entertainment says the move to Level 1 will mean it can essentially go back to normal.

Chief executive Graeme Stephens said the removal of restrictions on mass gatherings and physical distancing requirements were welcome.

''It will be fantastic to be busy again and able to have the public enjoy the many different facets of our properties.”

He said the group's casinos would maintain health and safety standards to manage the risk of Covid-19 and would be encouraging people to use contact tracing via the Government's mobile app.

* 'Simply you are fired': Sacking of 200 SkyCity staff angers union

While it is returning almost to normal, the legacy of lockdown for SkyCity is a lack of overseas visitors due to closed borders, and a smaller workforce.

The operator has axed 900 jobs in anticipation of its smaller, more domestically focussed operation.

The group's casinos will all return to normal hours over the next few days, except for the Wharf in Queenstown, as will most of its restaurants and the Auckland Sky Tower.