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Reopening of SkyCity's New Zealand Properties

Tuesday 12th May 2020

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SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited (SKC.NZX/SKC.AX) ("SkyCity") advises that it will reopen its New Zealand casino, entertainment and accommodation facilities in Auckland, Hamilton and Queenstown from 14 May 2020. This follows the announcement by the New Zealand Government yesterday that the COVID-79 Alert Level will move to Level 2 from 11.59pm on 13 May 2020.

SkyCitywill reopen its New Zealand properties in a staged manner with reduced operating hours initially based on expected customer deman d. Up to date opening times are available on the SkyCity website at www.skycity.co.nz.

In Queenstown, whilst the larger SkyCity Queenstown property will reopen from 14 May 2020, the smaller Wharf Casino property will remain closed at this time. The ongoing border restrictions continue to have a detrimental effect on the local Queenstown economy in particular, which is largely dependent on tourism.

SkyCity is committed to delivering robust health and safety standards to manage the ongoing risks associated with COVID-79 and has developed a new Health Management Framework (aligned with the Ministry of Health's recommendations and guidelines) for its business operations under Alert Level 2, which includes the following measures:

• the creation of distinct "zones" on the main gaming floors in Auckland and Hamilton to ensure less than 700 guests and staff in a static location at any one time

• configuring electronic gaming machines to allow appropriate physical distancing between players

• reducing the number of seated players at each gaming table with no back betting permitted to avoid crowding

• limiting casino entry to SkyCity Premier Rewards members, initially to certain

membership tiers in Auckland and Hamilton, to enable comprehensive contact tracing (assisted by facial recognition technology) and implementing guest registers at all other SkyCity venues. New casino customers can sign up to the SkyCity Premier Rewards Programme with appropriate photo identification

• venues that operate primarily as bars, including Bellota and twentyone in Auckland and The Local Taphouse in Hamilton, will remain closed initially

• implementing physical distancing measures across the SkyCity properties, including when waiting to enter a venue or for takeaway

• significantly increasing cleaning services to ensure more frequent and thorough cleaning of surfaces across the SkyCity properties

• the availability of hand sanitisers and wipes for staff and guests

• allowing guests and employees to wear masks if they wish

• all employees are required to complete additional Health and Safety training around what is required to keep themselves and SkyCity customers safe

As previously flagged to the market on 3 April 2020, due to the expected significant impact of COVID-79 on its operating environment and financial outlook, SkyCity will now move forward to further reduce its New Zealand workforce and will shortly commence consultation on a proposal to reduce the number of rostered (waged) staff by around 700. This further restructure is expected to be completed by the middle of June 2020. SkyCity expects total annualised cost savings of around $50 million once the full restructure is implemented for both salaried employees and rostered (waged) employees (around 900 in total).

In South Australia, Adelaide Casino continues to remain closed pending guidance from the Australian Government.

SkyCity will provide further updates as new material information becomes available.

Source: SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited 



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