SkyCity quoted in context on V8 race

SkyCity says it fully supports the Auckland V8 supercar race, despite making a submission opposing the plan 'in its entirety'.

SkyCity statement

The entertainment company yesterday said its submission to the Auckland City Council on consents needed for the inner-city motor race was an "administrative device" that ensured it would be party to discussions during the consent process.

The company said the submission did not mean it was "strongly opposed" to the event, as reported in the Herald yesterday.

SkyCity general manager marketing NZ Jill Birch said the submission was a way of ensuring the company was consulted.

"SkyCity supports the event wholeheartedly - we held the successful bid announcement function in Sky Tower only a matter of weeks ago," Jill Birch said.

"We were disappointed that our comment was not sought ... had it been we would have explained that the submission was process-related only and in no way signals our broad view about the benefits this event presents for Auckland City.

"Naturally we have an interest in certain aspects of the proposal, such as street closures and construction noise, and it is our priority to ensure we are consulted by the organisers and council throughout both the planning and execution of any such event.

"From the outset we have publicly stated our support for the event.

"We remain committed to the initiative, which promises to be a great event for the people of Auckland City and its visitors."

What SkyCity submission said

"1. The particular parts of the application opposed are:

i) The application in its entirety. Without resiling from this comprehensive and holistic position, the specific parts of the application that are of the greatest concern to the submitter are:

ii) The closure of parts of streets and in particular: (a) Victoria St West (b) Hobson St (c) Nelson St, in the vicinity of SkyCity."

The submission said SkyCity was concerned about the location of pedestrian entry points, temporary toilet facilities, security fences and construction noise at night.


It said street closures "discourages and at certain times will prevent access to the submitter's properties by bus, taxi, private car and on foot and consequently has the potential for significant adverse effects on the submitter".

SkyCity said that if consent was granted then it wanted approval to be subject to agreement that access to its complex, which includes the casino and the Sky Tower, was maintained at all times. "Such agreement will not be unreasonably upheld," the submission said.