The good the bad and the ugly: SkyCity’s balance sheet in focus

After a year in the top job, SkyCity chief executive Jason Walbridge faces a stern test. (Image: BusinessDesk)

Fri, 08 Aug 2025

For SkyCity, it was a dream that turned into a nightmare. Now, years later, the New Zealand International Convention Centre is creeping toward completion, and the casino operator is desperate to cash in.The problem is SkyCity’s feet seem stuck in treacle, bogged in regulation while battling an economic headwind that just won’t go away. Its balance sheet is stretched, and analysts are crunching numbers on potential asset sales needed to get debt under control and avoid a capital raise.In a couple of weeks, SkyCity will report its ful...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime with two clicks, an email or a phone call.
Find out more.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Markets Market Close

Ryman extends rally; NZX 50 continues gains

Having traded flat until late September, the index is now up nearly 3% for the year.

Gregor Thompson 02 Oct 2025

Infrastructure

Industry backs government freight strategy moves

The move will strengthen supply chain resilience.

Rebecca Howard 02 Oct 2025

Industry backs government freight strategy moves

Retail

Retail outlook 'tough and unpredictable': Warehouse Group

The group's operating earnings dropped from $28.9 million to $1.3m.

Gregor Thompson 02 Oct 2025

Retail outlook 'tough and unpredictable': Warehouse Group

Sponsored

Fiji’s exclusive side revealed

Private islands and 5-star luxury, closer than you think.

Tourism Fiji

Sponsored

The double edge of AI in cyber security

Artificial intelligence has the potential to become both a lifeline and a liability for modern organisations, as a revolutionary tool capable of spotting threats at lightning speed, but also the ultimate weapon in the hands of cybercriminals.

Spark