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SkyCity Entertainment Group

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FY2003 Annual Report · SkyCity Entertainment Group
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36120 Skycity Report Cover  24/9/03  9:40 AM  Page 1

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SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

 
 
 
 
 
 
Current and historical financial information, including
financial statements, news releases and presentations,
is available online at www.skycitygroup.co.nz

PLAY: Amuse, entertain, enjoy, have fun! A vision
to 'create fun and entertainment' for customers is
at the heart of every experience SKYCITY offers

The Board of Directors is pleased to present the Annual Report of 

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited for the year ended 30 June 2003.

For, and on behalf of, the Board.

Jon Hartley
Chairman

26 September 2003

Evan Davies
Managing Director

Financial Summary

$107.2 million

net surplus after tax up 26%

* EBITDA: Earnings before
interest, tax,
depreciation and
amortisation

† before non-recurring item

Sales Revenues
EBITDA*
Net Surplus after tax

Earnings per Share

‡ including special dividend of
20cps paid November 2002

Dividends per Share

2003
$556m

$252m

$107.2m

51cps
67cps‡

2002
$510m

$221m
$85.1m†
41.5cps†
38cps

Change(%)
+9%

+14%

+26%

+23%

+76%

Highlights

• Superior pre-tax returns to SKYCITY

• New product innovations and a continuously

shareholders of 72.2% for the 2002/03
financial year compared with the NZX50
average of 10.5% for the corresponding period

• A record interim plus final dividend of 47 cents
per share (cps) – up from 38cps in 2001/02 –
increased to 67cps for the year, as a result
of the special dividend of 20cps paid in
November 2002

• $100 million capital management programme
announced in November 2002, comprising a
20cps special dividend ($42 million) paid in
November 2002 and a $40–$60 million on-
market share buyback programme being
undertaken during the 2003 calendar year

• SKYCITY Hamilton opened on time and to

budget in September 2002 and has performed
to expectations for its initial trading period to
30 June 2003

• Record revenues and earnings were recorded

across the Group. Group revenues were up 9%
to $556 million and Group EBITDA increased by
14% to $252 million  

• Auckland revenues were up 8% to $374 million

and EBITDA was up 9% to $199 million

• Adelaide revenues were up 9% to A$103 million

and EBITDA was up 31% to A$26 million

• SKYCITY Hamilton added a new revenue

stream of $20 million and EBITDA of $7 million

(for its first trading period of 9.3 months)

refreshed entertainment experience for
customers at all SKYCITY properties continues
to be the primary focus, leading to continuing
increases in revenues across the Group

Other highlights of the 2002/03 year included:

• Cost management across the Group’s

properties, resulting in improved margin
performance, with SKYCITY Adelaide
increasing its EBITDA ratio (to revenues) 
from 21% to 25%

• SKYCITY Adelaide increased its entertainment
profile in South Australia, with a number of
popular entertainers performing on property

• New Village SKYCITY Cinemas eight-screen

multiplex opened at Westfield St Lukes
(Auckland) in May 2003, with a new eight-
screen complex scheduled to open in
Tauranga in April/May 2004

Contents
2003 Highlights
Chairman’s Report
Managing Director’s Review
Experiences
Involvement
Evolution
Financial and Operating Review
Corporate Goverance
Financial Statements and Notes
Additional Statutory Information
Directory

1
2 – 5
6 – 9
10 – 13
14 – 17
18 – 21
22 – 28
29 – 39
41 – 76
77 – 87
88

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

3

Shareholders and the investment community have
come to expect outstanding results from SKYCITY
and this year the company extended its record of
growth and success

Chairman’s Report

This year’s strong financial result has
demonstrated the company’s resilience in 
the face of a range of external influences 
and is confirmation of the value that can 
be delivered through providing relevant and
integrated entertainment experiences. This
result is a credit to all of our people and we
thank them for a great year.

Strategic Development

SKYCITY has continued its strategic 
objective to extend, broaden and diversify its
entertainment profile and to further capitalise 
on its transformation from a single property
undertaking (SKYCITY Auckland) to a diverse
entertainment and gaming business. 

In my 2002 report to shareholders, I referred to
the focus for 2002/03 being on the realisation of
value and on continuing to build on the growth
and consolidation opportunities that had been
established by the business.

During the 2002/03 year, the Group 
expanded its activities through the opening 
of the SKYCITY Hamilton property in September
2002 and through the commencement of 
three major development projects at SKYCITY
Auckland. The $25 million gaming expansion
project is scheduled for completion in December
2003, the $65 million convention and exhibition
centre for April 2004, and the $75 million
five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel for April 2005.
Completion of the SKYCITY Grand will increase
the number of hotel rooms at SKYCITY Auckland
to 660 rooms.

These major projects will enable the company 
to capitalise on growth opportunities in
Auckland, and the new Hamilton business will
make an important contribution to SKYCITY’s
revenue streams. 

During the 2003/04 financial year, the company
will consider the opportunities that may be able 
to be created at SKYCITY Adelaide through an
increase in the range of services and facilities
offered at that property.

We continue to assess opportunities that fit
within our strategic criteria while ensuring our
focus on optimising the returns from our
existing operations remains a priority. 

• Six consecutive
years of profit and
dividend growth

• Return to
shareholders of
455% in the 71/2
years since listing

• Share price has
appreciated by more
than 250% since
listing in 1996

• Earnings per
share up from
18cps in FY97 to
51cps in FY03

In last year’s Annual Report I commented that 
SKYCITY has delivered a combination of both
yield and growth to its shareholders and that it
remained our intention to continue with this dual
focus into the future. We are pleased to reflect
on a significant increase in the market price of
SKYCITY shares during the 12 months since 
the 2002 Annual Report was circulated to
shareholders. At the same time 67 cents per
share has been paid to shareholders as fully-
imputed dividends and the number of shares 
on issue has been reduced via the company’s
on-market share buyback programme.

At an operational level, SKYCITY’s broad range
of customer service and marketing initiatives 
is a key strategic driver for providing our
customers with a range of exciting and
memorable entertainment experiences. We 
are very aware that our customers enjoy their
entertainment experience with us more if
we meet or exceed their expectations. The
company’s strategic objectives remain focused
on ensuring that the best possible entertainment
experience is provided for all customers
at all times.

Capital Management 

SKYCITY maintained its 90% dividend payout
policy during the 2002/03 year and also paid
out a special fully-imputed dividend of 20 cents
per share in November 2002. Dividends for the
year, including the special dividend, totalled 
67 cents per share.

The first period of SKYCITY’s share buyback
programme was undertaken during March/April
2003. The second period of the buyback
programme is being undertaken between 
August and November 2003.

In the long term, the company remains
committed to delivering value to shareholders
through its capital management programmes
and the judicious pursuit of investment
opportunities. A number of new investments
are being made at existing properties, including
the major expansion and refurbishment
projects currently underway at our flagship
SKYCITY Auckland property. We will also
look to invest in new opportunities that fit
appropriately within the scope of our gaming
and entertainment framework.

Sustainability and Responsibility

Governance

Central to SKYCITY’s ongoing success has 
been a proactive industry-leading approach to
community participation and host responsibility.

We have in place effective corporate citizenship
and host responsibility programmes at all
properties. We are proud to report that SKYCITY
continues to go much further than simply
meeting legal obligations in this regard and
that we consistently seek to enhance this area
of our business.

The board believes that showing leadership and
best practice in these areas is central to the
long-term sustainability and viability of not only
SKYCITY’s business but also the wider gaming
and hospitality sector.

Proactive and innovative initiatives to minimise
harm relating to the service of gaming and
alcohol are critical business strategies, as are our
community sponsorship and support activities.

The 2002/03 Community Report, circulated to
shareholders with this Annual Report, identifies
the core areas of community participation 
and support undertaken by the various 
SKYCITY properties.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group has been
committed to international best practice in
corporate governance since commencement. 

In March 2003 the Australian Stock Exchange
Corporate Governance Council released its
Principles of Good Corporate Governance and
Best Practice Recommendations and in August
2003 the New Zealand Exchange released its
Corporate Governance Best Practice Code. Such
regulatory responses are to restore overall
confidence, not to give rise to a ‘governance
industry’. Of itself, governance is not black and
white, nor is it satisfied by relentless box-ticking.

The SKYCITY board has reviewed the ASX 
and NZX pronouncements on corporate
governance best practice and we are pleased 
to report a high level of compliance with the
requirements and recommendations as set out
in those documents. 

The board of the company currently comprises six
directors of whom five are non-executive and a
majority of whom meet the independence tests of
the ASX and the NZX. 

In 2002/03, in conditions that challenged many
businesses, SKYCITY delivered a superior
financial result: a record $107.2 million net
surplus – up 26% on the previous year’s net
surplus of $85.1 million (before non-recurring
item). This excellent result is consistent
with our record of growth and success, and
recognises our strong and responsible strategic
and operational focus on our customers, our
people, and our business processes.

In a wider market context, SKYCITY again
outperformed: pre-tax annual return to
shareholders for the year ended 30 June 2003
was 72.2%, compared to 10.5% for the NZX50. 

SKYCITY is one of New Zealand’s top companies
by market capitalisation, with each separate
business a significant regional economic
contributor and employer in its own right.

2

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

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3

Chairman’s Report (continued)

All directors of the company are governed by
formal terms of appointment and terms of
reference, which identify the corporate and
regulatory responsibilities of directors.

The board has three committees – the Audit 
and Risk Committee, the Governance and
Remuneration Committee and the Nomination
Committee, each of which operates under a
specific charter. In addition to the board and
committee charters, the company has a formal
code of business practice, which all personnel
must comply with at all times, and a code for
securities transactions which governs company
personnel when buying or selling SKYCITY
shares.

SKYCITY receives favourable feedback from the
investment community and from shareholders
about the quality of the company’s information
disclosure. Our objective is to ensure that
the market, and the investment community
in general, are well informed on the key
performance parameters relevant to each 
of our major areas of business activity.

Ultimately, strong corporate governance 
requires a set of practices and procedures 
which determine the actions and behaviours 
of all personnel, but which also incorporate
actions and intentions that lead to increased
value for shareholders and other stakeholders
of the company and for the communities in
which we operate. As such, good governance
lies at the heart of our business.

Whilst this increased focus on compliance with
new governance standards is important, we
continue to understand that the nature of
business is one of risk-taking within appropriate
frameworks. To this end, the wisdom, candour,
commonsense and experience of our board is of
primary importance.

A ten-page section of this Annual Report 
is devoted to explaining SKYCITY's approach 
to, and current procedures with respect to,
corporate governance best practice. For further
information about the company’s corporate
governance, please refer to the section of this
Annual Report at pages 29-39.

Shareholders are again encouraged (via the
SKYCITY website www.skycitygroup.co.nz) to
forward questions they would like addressed at
this year’s Annual Meeting. Questions can be
posted to the website by 5.00pm New Zealand
time on 28 October, two days prior to the
meeting. Due to major construction work,
SKYCITY’s Auckland conference facilities 
are currently closed and the 2003 Annual
Meeting will, as a consequence, be held at
SKYCITY Hamilton.

Adoption of International Financial
Reporting Standards (IFRS)

The New Zealand Accounting Standards Review
Board has recommended that listed issuers
should comply with IFRS for their 2007 financial
years, or earlier, with early adoption permitted
from 1 January 2005. The SKYCITY board has
determined to adopt IFRS for its financial year
commencing 1 July 2005. The first set of fully
IFRS-compliant financial statements will
therefore be the SKYCITY interim accounts for
the half-year ending 31 December 2005.

Directors

This year, two directors – Patsy Reddy and
Bill Trotter – are standing for re-election at the
Annual Meeting. Both Patsy and Bill have
provided excellent contribution to board and
committee discussion, debate, and decision-
making. On behalf of the board, I strongly
endorse both directors for re-election. 

Directors’ Fees

At the company’s 2000 Annual Meeting,
shareholders approved a resolution for
directors’ fees to be $450,000 plus GST (if any)
in total in any financial year. 

In the year ended 30 June 2003, SKYCITY
directors, other than the chairman of the 
board, were paid directors’ fees of $50,000 
per annum. The chairman of the board was
paid $100,000. 

In addition to directors’ fees, Sir Peter
Elworthy, a founder director of the company
who retired in October 2002 after 10 years of
excellent service, was paid a retirement amount
of $107,507. The amount of the retirement
allowance paid to Sir Peter was calculated as a

Looking Forward

During 2002/03 SKYCITY demonstrated its
resilience amid a set of challenging external
business conditions and continued its track record
of delivering outstanding results to shareholders.

SKYCITY is a company of considerable economic
significance to New Zealand and South Australia.
At a regional level – in Auckland, Adelaide, Hamilton,
and Queenstown – SKYCITY has established a
presence as a significant employer and contributor 
to its local economies and communities.

The company’s maturity as a pre-eminent
entertainment destination in each of its locations
has been demonstrated by extension of the
SKYCITY brand identity across all properties. 

The platform has been set for the further
expansion of SKYCITY’s interests and profile 
and we are well positioned to execute the growth
strategies and plans we have in place at individual
properties, and for the Group overall.

At SKYCITY, we believe the way forward is both
clear and exciting.

Jon Hartley

Chairman

proportion of three years of his directors’ fees,
as provided for by the company’s constitution.

Agenda item 3 for the 2003 Annual Meeting
proposes an increase in directors’ fees to
$65,000 per non-executive director per annum
(other than for the chairperson of the board),
with the chairperson’s fee proposed at
$130,000 per annum. In addition, to recognise
the extra work undertaken by the chairpersons
of the Audit and Risk and the Governance and
Remuneration committees, a committee
chairperson fee of an additional $10,000 per
annum is proposed. 

The resolution for consideration at the 2003
Annual Meeting proposes a total directors’ fees
amount of $600,000 per annum. This amount is
calculated based on provision for up to six non-
executive directors each at $65,000 per annum,
the chairperson of the board at $130,000 per
annum, two committee chairperson fees each
at $10,000 per annum, and a provision for
special work, which may be undertaken by one
or more directors from time to time, of up to
$60,000 per annum.

Since the directors’ fees were set at the
company’s Annual Meeting in 2000, the scope
and scale of the SKYCITY Entertainment Group
has expanded significantly and the returns to
shareholders have been well in excess of the
average of returns experienced by shareholders
of NZX50 companies. On behalf of shareholders,
the board has obtained independent advice
when considering the fees proposal, which is
being put to the Annual Meeting. The directors
believe that the recommended fee levels are
fair and reasonable, both for their stewardship
of the company’s assets and as a reflection of
their responsibilities under corporate and
securities legislation and the ASX and NZX
listing rules. A letter from John Egan Associates,
which is included with the 2003 Notice of
Annual Meeting, provides independent
confirmation that the proposed fee levels are
appropriate for a company of the scale of
SKYCITY, when compared with directors’ fees
for publicly-listed companies in Australasia.

4

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

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5

With the Group in excellent financial health and with
considerable opportunities ahead, SKYCITY is in a 
strong position to continue its growth record over 
the coming years

Managing Director’s Review

In 2002/03 more than 10 million visitors from
throughout New Zealand, Australia and the
world came out to play at SKYCITY - whether 
it was to hear live music, see a movie, relax in
superior accommodation, play the tables and
gaming machines, or enjoy a great variety of
other entertainment and hospitality options.

With the Group’s net surplus after tax reaching
a record high of $107.2 million, 2002/03 was
SKYCITY’s sixth consecutive year of profit
increase and earnings growth.

Behind these milestones is a single-minded
focus on creating fun and entertainment for our
customers and a robust philosophy: to provide
an integrated entertainment experience – more
than just gaming – at each of our properties.

The year’s achievements also signal a decisive
step in our growth as a multi-property Group
that offers a broad range of entertainment
experiences on both sides of the Tasman.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group

The 2002/03 year was a demanding but
satisfying one for the Group. Strategically, our
focus was on adding further depth to our broad
entertainment business while sustaining earnings
growth from our core gaming operations.

Key to the Group’s result was a commitment 
to creating value from the extensive mix of
entertainment offered at each of our properties.
The company will continue to make the most 
of its gaming and non-gaming operations in
order to provide a complete entertainment
experience and to attract new and repeat 
visitors to our complexes.

Our successes in 2002/03 are particularly
pleasing. They provide further evidence of our
business’s resilience to external uncertainty 
and our well-established position in the
entertainment market.

Highlights of the 2002/03 result included:

• Operating revenues up 9% to $556 million

• EBITDA* up 14% to $252 million

• EBIT up 16% to $201 million

* Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation

Our successes in 2002/03 are particularly pleasing.
They provide further evidence of our business’s
resilience to external uncertainty and our well-
established position in the entertainment market

SKYCITY Auckland

Our flagship property SKYCITY Auckland
recorded another outstanding performance in
2002/03, with revenue growth across all
sectors of the business.

Revenues were up 8% (to $374 million), with
gaming revenues growing 8% (to $313 million).
Table games recorded 7% growth and gaming
machines were up 8%.

Food and beverage revenues were up 10%
(to $30 million), Sky Tower revenues were up
7% (to $7.6 million), and hotel and conference
revenues also increased by 7% (to $20 million)
despite the closure of our conference facilities,
in mid-April 2003, in preparation for the
expansion of the main gaming floor.
Development of the new SKYCITY Auckland
convention and exhibition centre, adjacent to
SKYCITY Auckland, progressed well throughout
the 2002/03 year.

These two construction projects, along with the
new five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel, provide
SKYCITY Auckland with a clear path for future
growth. They represent a $165 million investment
in Auckland and the largest commercial capital
project currently underway in the city.

Based on the track record of our Auckland
business, this is an investment that we make
with confidence – and, as a New Zealand
business, with a great deal of pride.

We expect SKYCITY Auckland to deliver further
revenue growth in 2003/04 and beyond;
supported by the additional gaming machines
and tables on level three of the main complex
and cross-promotional opportunities between
the main site and the new developments. We
will also further leverage our relationship with

SKYCITY Leisure’s cinema operations and our
association with organisations such as Auckland
Rugby, with whom we announced a three-year
sponsorship partnership in July 2003.

SKYCITY Adelaide

SKYCITY Adelaide continued to show solid
growth in 2002/03. At A$15.2 million, EBIT 
was up 48% on the previous year.

Product developments, marketing initiatives,
and a continued focus on enhancing SKYCITY
Adelaide’s reputation as a leading entertainment
destination, were central to the result. A focus
on customer service and the successful
integration of our Action loyalty programme 
into the Adelaide business were also important
contributors to the growth in revenues.

SKYCITY Adelaide revenues were up 9% (to
A$103 million), with gaming revenues up 10%
(to A$92 million). Revenue growth from tables
increased by 10%, gaming machine revenues
were up 9%, and food and beverage revenues
were up 5% (to A$13 million).

Converting revenue growth into profit
performance continues to be a key focus 
at SKYCITY Adelaide and we are pleased to 
report that operating earnings (as measured by
EBITDA) increased 31% from A$19.7 million to
A$25.9 million.

While the South Australian gaming market is
more developed than in New Zealand, many
opportunities remain. The Adelaide business 
is now tracking in line with our pre-acquisition
expectations and we anticipate continuing
growth in visitation, revenues and margins 
over the coming year. 

2002/03 was SKYCITY’s sixth
consecutive year of profit
increase and earnings growth

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SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

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7

Managing Director’s Review (continued)

SKYCITY Hamilton

Since opening on time and to budget in
September 2002, SKYCITY Hamilton has
delivered an excellent record of achievements. 

While the processes involved in establishing 
a new business are significant and require 
a concerted effort beyond the initial set-up
period, we are confident that the customer
interest SKYCITY Hamilton has attracted as 
a new complex will be sustained – and grown 
– over time.

SKYCITY Hamilton enjoyed a very strong 
six-to-eight week period immediately post-
opening, with visitation then settling into a
more ‘business as usual’ pattern. Revenues
were $20.4 million over the nine-month 
period, with earnings before interest and tax
(EBIT) at $3.5 million.

SKYCITY Hamilton has raised its profile in the
Waikato community through its sponsorship of
the Chiefs Super 12 and Waikato NPC rugby
teams, and the property has also received two
major building awards – one from the Property
Council of New Zealand and the other from the
Master Builders’ Association.

A range of new initiatives provide for 
continued growth at SKYCITY Hamilton. These
include the opening of a VIP gaming room in
July 2003, extension of casino opening hours
from August 2003, and the development of 
a full-service conference facility within the
complex, expected to open in April/May 2004.

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino recorded a
significant turnaround in financial performance
during the year, reducing an EBIT loss of
$1.3 million in 2001/02 to an EBIT loss of
$0.3 million for the 2002/03 year.

In Queenstown, revenues were up 15% to 
$6.0 million and gross margin increased from
24% to 35%.

Casino is establishing itself as a leading
entertainment and function venue. Despite its
small size, it remains an important part of the
SKYCITY mix and we look forward to another
improved result in 2003/04.

SKYCITY Leisure 

SKYCITY Leisure made significant gains during
2002/03, based on the sound platform provided
by the capital restructuring of the previous year
and a strong focus on marketing, operational
efficiency, and leveraging of its association with
the SKYCITY Group.

Significant achievements included the 
re-brand of IMAX/Force Entertainment Centre
as SKYCITY Metro, re-opening of the IMAX
theatre as Megascreen Queen Street, and the
opening of the first Village SKYCITY Cinemas
multiplex at Westfield St Lukes. The Village
SKYCITY brand is also being progressively
rolled out across other jointly-owned cinemas.

Additional highlights included implementation 
of the management services agreement, which
was approved at SKYCITY Leisure’s 2002
annual meeting. Under that agreement, 
SKYCITY Entertainment Group is responsible 
for managing SKYCITY Leisure’s business and
corporate activities.

SKYCITY Leisure announced a net profit of 
$3.4 million for 2002/03, the first fiscal year
surplus by the company since 1999. In 2003/04
SKYCITY Leisure is poised for a further year of
strong earnings performance.

Canbet 

The past year saw ASX-listed Canbet Limited, 
in which SKYCITY holds a 32.6% shareholding,
make a successful transition to a new base in
the United Kingdom. The move to the U.K. will
help the company to benefit from a more
accommodating operational environment 
and greater growth opportunities.

These gains are encouraging and our breakeven
target is now well within range. In a town built
on the leisure market, SKYCITY Queenstown

Net surplus for the year was A$499,000, up
from A$304,000 in 2001/02, on turnover of
A$547 million (up 33%).

Alongside our physical
expansion, our involvement in
the communities in which we
participate, continues to grow

Our People

SKYCITY has developed a reputation as an
employer of choice and a great place to work.
Performance excellence is the SKYCITY
standard and we are focused on ensuring that
our customers’ experiences are second-to-none
in the entertainment market.

Highlights of the 2002/03 year included the
recruitment and training of more than 200 staff
in time for the opening of SKYCITY Hamilton in
September 2002. At SKYCITY Auckland we also
graduated our first cookery apprentices after
three years of training under the Modern
Apprenticeship programme.

Following the success in Auckland of
our unique employee incentive schemes – the
‘Customer Experience Incentive’ (CEI) and
the ‘Performance Pay Incentive’ (PPI) – these
programmes were rolled out across the Group
in 2002/03 to include staff in Adelaide,
Hamilton and Queenstown.

A key priority is to further enhance the
SKYCITY culture to support the delivery of
excellent service at all of our properties.

Regulatory Developments

SKYCITY operates in a sector in which
regulatory developments and issues will
continue to be significant.

Increased restrictions on environmental tobacco
smoke and a greater focus by government on
problem gambling management are
considerations for business planning in New
Zealand and South Australia. In both areas,
changes have been signalled for some time,
and SKYCITY is well placed to address these.

Our existing host responsibility and problem
gambling management initiatives are industry-
leading, and are an important part of the way

we conduct our operations. We welcome the
introduction of clear, industry-wide guidelines
in both New Zealand and Australia.

With regard to environmental tobacco smoke,
preparing customers for increased restrictions
and making physical changes to our properties
will be a primary focus in the time between the
passage of the proposed legislation and it
taking effect.

Continuing the Momentum

2002/03 was a highly successful year for
SKYCITY and one in which we further 
delivered on our ambitions as a serious 
trans-Tasman participant in the gaming and
entertainment sector.

We have cemented our position as one of New
Zealand’s top listed companies, our brand has
become significantly more visible and, with
considerable growth opportunities remaining 
in both New Zealand and Australia, all of our
properties and businesses are well positioned
for future development.

Alongside our physical expansion, our
involvement in the communities in which we
participate continues to grow. This year was
notable for the establishment of the third
SKYCITY community trust, in Hamilton. 

Further information about our operational
achievements, new products and facilities, 
and our community involvement is available
on pages 16 and 17 of this report. A separate
Community Report is also available and has
been distributed to shareholders with this
Annual Report. 

SKYCITY has created a culture of performance
and achievement, and I thank each member of
staff for their commitment and contribution to
creating the experiences we provide for 
our customers.

We can look forward with confidence to the
challenges of 2003/04 and beyond.

Evan Davies

Managing Director

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9

PLAY: Customers, come out to play! SKYCITY’s

entertainment and leisure options are endless: roulette to

restaurants; hotels to hors d’oeuvres; movies to meetings 

In 2002/03 more than 10 million visitors enjoyed SKYCITY’s broad range of experiences

Experiences

A single-minded vision
underpins every SKYCITY
operation: to create fun
and entertainment for 
our customers

In line with this vision, our strategy is to 
offer integrated, locally-relevant entertainment
at each of our properties – broad-based
entertainment experiences that range from:
gaming to theatre; dining to conferences;
cocktails to dancing.

Keeping our facilities and the experiences we
offer compelling – providing new and different
reasons for people to visit SKYCITY – is
fundamental to our business. We continue 
to create new products and to refine our
existing offerings based on customer feedback
and extensive market research programmes.

New Gaming Options

New gaming options were a priority this year.

SKYCITY Hamilton opened a VIP gaming area 
in June, adding to the property’s gaming options
and providing customers with a more private and
personalised gaming experience. New gaming
machine products and technologies were also
introduced in Queenstown during the year.

In Adelaide, changes to machine layouts and a
series of exclusive product launches, supported
by strong advertising campaigns, created
interest and excitement on the gaming floor.

SKYCITY Auckland’s main gaming floor
expansion is well underway and will be fully
operational by December 2003. A new upper
floor, and reconfigured existing facilities, will
offer the latest technology in gaming machine
products to complement customer favourites. 
A highlight of Auckland’s expanded gaming
floor will be a new bar, featuring a dramatic
floor-to-ceiling window over the gaming floor.

Sky Tower

In recent years Sky Tower’s adventure
activities, Sky Jump and Vertigo, have added 
a new dimension to the Sky Tower experience.
This year the enhancements continued, with
Sky Tower’s signature restaurant, Orbit, being
refurbished in September 2002. 

Since opening six years ago, Orbit has 
become a favourite à la carte dining option 
for New Zealanders and visitors alike, serving
thousands of meals a year to satisfied diners,
including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and
movie star Michael Douglas. This year’s
restaurant revitalisation included a complete
interior refurbishment, an acclaimed new menu,
and the appointment of a SKYCITY-led
management team.

A major redevelopment of the Sky Tower 
entry and exit areas has also been undertaken,
including the construction of a new theatrette
and a significant expansion of retail offerings.
The changes have extended space for visitors
on the main observation level, through the
relocation of retail facilities, and enhanced Sky
Tower’s appeal as a destination in its own right.

This year all SKYCITY properties cemented their
reputations as leading entertainment destinations

Keeping our facilities and the experiences we offer
compelling – providing new and different reasons for
people to visit SKYCITY – is fundamental to our business

Live Music, Film, Plays, and Concerts

This year all SKYCITY properties cemented their
reputations as leading entertainment destinations.

At SKYCITY Auckland, we continued to
provide Aucklanders with free live music and
entertainment seven days a week. Highlights of
the year included the film premieres of Whale
Rider and Austin Powers – Goldmember; a very
popular season of the Rocky Horror Show; 
a songwriters’ night in support of NZ Music
Month; and the 2003 Auckland Film Festival. 

In addition, we brought the SKYCITY Starlight
Symphony to more than 250,000 Aucklanders
for the fifth time, with thousands of corporate
guests enjoying out-catering under the stars,
courtesy of SKYCITY Cuisine and Events.

A series of major concerts and events at
SKYCITY Adelaide enhanced the complex’s
reputation as one of South Australia’s leading
entertainment venues, with special highlights
including three semi-acoustic concerts by rock
icon Jimmy Barnes.

SKYCITY Hamilton has quickly developed a
reputation as one of Hamilton’s leading live
music venues with local bands proving to be 
popular attractions.

Stand-up comedy, local musicians, and 
quiz-nights are just some of the regular live
entertainment featured at SKYCITY Queenstown.
The Wild Thyme bar and restaurant is becoming
a local favourite with the business market for
functions and events, and the bar’s big screen is
a fixture on major sporting occasions. 

Art and Architecture

Special artistic and architectural highlights 
add to the visitor experience at all SKYCITY
properties. Carefully selected local artworks 
and interior-design elements reflect the unique
environs of each property and, in several
instances, heritage and cultural considerations.

Highlights this year included the restoration and
raising of the superb art deco dome ceiling at
SKYCITY Hamilton and a pre-dawn ceremony to
unveil five carved Maori Pou (memorial posts)
along the Waikato riverbank. Local students and
connoisseurs of art have also come to frequent
the property to view the 35 square metre glass
artwork by well-known New Zealand artist Dick
Frizzell, which depicts the Waikato River, clouds,
rain and mist and adds to the visual appeal of
SKYCITY’s newest entertainment complex. 

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PLAY: Each SKYCITY property plays a significant community

role: from employment to sponsorship, purchasing local

produce and services, to regional tourism generation

Integral to each SKYCITY business is a commitment to community involvement

Involvement

SKYCITY is an active and positive
contributor to the communities in
which we operate

As a leading corporate citizen, and the host 
of more than 10 million visitors each year, we
have significant community responsibilities.

Host Responsibility

Our approach to host responsibility is widely
acknowledged as industry-leading.

Taking host responsibility seriously – doing
more than we are required to do legislatively –
makes sound business sense. A proactive
approach to problem gambling support helps 
us deliver on our fun and entertainment
promise to customers and aids our long-term
sustainability as a business.

Central to our approach is a commitment 
to train all of our 3,500-plus staff in awareness
regarding responsible provision of gaming and
service of alcohol.

New host responsibility initiatives in 2002/03
included the roll-out of problem gambling
support materials in multiple languages to all
SKYCITY properties, and the production of
information kits for medical practitioners.
Developed with input from treatment providers,
these kits are distributed free of charge to help
the medical community identify and treat
problem gamblers.

SKYCITY Community Trusts

Since establishing our first community trust in
Auckland in 1996, SKYCITY operations have
contributed nearly $12 million to a wide range
of community initiatives.

This year’s highlights included the establishment
of the SKYCITY Hamilton trust and the first round
of grants by the Queenstown trust. Grants by
the Auckland trust reached a record annual
level of $2.8 million.

Major grants included $215,000 to restore 
the original Titirangi home of Colin McCahon,
arguably New Zealand’s greatest artist, and
$225,000 to the Auckland War Memorial
Museum for the fit-out of its new auditorium.

Community Sponsorship

We focus our multi-million dollar sponsorship
portfolio on three broad areas: health; the arts,
culture and entertainment; and sport.

We provide more than just financial support 
to the organisations with which we work. Our
involvement extends to creating fundraising
opportunities, making our facilities available
free of charge or at cost, and providing our
expertise in marketing, communications and
project management.

Our approach to host responsibility is widely
acknowledged as industry-leading

We believe longevity has also been a 
successful element of our community support.
Our association with Starship Children’s
Hospital is now entering its eighth year.
Recent highlights included the opening of the
SKYCITY-funded Puawaitahi multi-agency
centre for abused children, and fundraising
for the hospital’s paediatric heart unit.

This year was also a significant one for our
involvement with Kidz First Children’s Hospital
in South Auckland, with an award-winning
advertising campaign to improve public
awareness about how to treat burns, and a
special screening of Harry Potter and the
Philosopher’s Stone for young burns patients.
SKYCITY is the founding sponsor of Kidz First’s
Burns and Plastics Unit.

During the year Sky Tower and SKYCITY
Hamilton were lit pink in support of breast
cancer awareness and several new initiatives
were implemented to raise funds for the
Adelaide Woman’s and Children’s Hospital.

Destination Marketing

SKYCITY continues to lead national and regional
efforts in promoting New Zealand and South
Australia as tourist destinations.

Our Auckland-based sales team, which 
supports the Group, is travelling constantly –
internationally and nationally – marketing the
destinations in which we do business, and
promoting the broad-based offerings of all our
properties. We take a leading role in tourism
industry forums and work closely with other
major tourism organisations and operators. 

Successes in the 2002/03 year included 
the tourism contribution of SKYCITY Hamilton –
promoted alongside the new Waikato Stadium,
Hobbiton tours, and the Novotel Tainui
Hamilton hotel – in raising the profile of the
Waikato region as a domestic and international
destination. In addition, sales for our new
Auckland convention centre and five-star hotel
have been a focus, with significant interest

We continue to lead national and regional efforts 
in promoting New Zealand and South Australia as
tourist destinations

The year was capped off with a highly
successful trip by the New Zealand Special
Olympics team to the World Summer Games 
in Dublin. Fundraising at the SKYCITY Starlight
Symphony, the Sky Tower Vertical Challenge,
and other SKYCITY events gave the team the
extra lift needed to ‘Go for Gold’ in Dublin.
SKYCITY has been the New Zealand Special
Olympics Foundation’s key sponsor since 1996.

from a variety of markets translating into strong
advance bookings.

It is also with great pleasure that we note
Sky Tower’s receipt of the top Visitor Attractions
award at the September 2003 New Zealand
Tourism Awards, cementing its reputation as
Auckland city’s favourite landmark.

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PLAY: Whether it’s work or play, or a combination 
of both, SKYCITY presents the ideal solution for 
any occasion

Continual evolution of products and experiences is central to SKYCITY’s success

Evolution

The 2002/03 year was one in which SKYCITY came
of age as a truly diversified entertainment Group

In just a few years, SKYCITY has rapidly
evolved from a single-site gaming business
based in Auckland, to a multi-property Group
that offers a variety of entertainment
experiences on both sides of the Tasman.

We are one of New Zealand’s largest listed
companies by market capitalisation, and each
of our properties is a significant employer and
business in its own right.

A number of notable milestones were reached
during the 2002/03 year.

SKYCITY Hamilton Opening

Our third New Zealand property, SKYCITY
Hamilton, opened in September 2002 to an
extremely favourable customer response. 

Since then the complex has continued to
perform well, with opening hours being
extended in response to customer demand.
New conference facilities are due for completion
in early 2004, further positioning SKYCITY
Hamilton as the Waikato region’s leading
entertainment and leisure venue.

SKYCITY Adelaide

We have accomplished the integration of
SKYCITY Adelaide into the overall Group and,
this year, the benefits were realised in the
business’s strong performance. 

Group-wide ACTION

2002/03 was a watershed year for Action,
SKYCITY’s award-winning customer loyalty
programme. Action, which rewards customers
for spend throughout SKYCITY’s business – 
from gaming to retail, restaurants to hotel
accommodation – is a core customer-retention
and acquisition tool across the Group.

In place at SKYCITY Hamilton from 
opening day, in September 2002, Action has
proved very popular with customers. It has also
been integral in driving repeat visitation and
customer acquisition at SKYCITY Adelaide over
the past year.

In November 2002, Action was recognised
internationally as a top customer-loyalty
programme, being the only non-American
award winner at the 2002 U.S. National Centre
for Database Marketing Awards. In February
2003, Action won five major awards from the 
New Zealand Direct Marketing Association.

A number of notable milestones were reached
during the year

SKYCITY Auckland Expansion

SKYCITY Leisure

This year we made excellent progress on our
$165 million SKYCITY Auckland expansion and
refurbishment projects, with construction of the
new SKYCITY Auckland Convention Centre, on
target for completion in April 2004, and the
new five-star SKYCITY Grand Hotel scheduled
to open in April 2005.

SKYCITY is continually refreshing and
developing the products we offer to provide
compelling customer experiences. Significant 
to SKYCITY Auckland is the development of 
a third public gaming area, incorporating the
introduction of 12 additional tables and 230
more machines, which is on schedule to
commence operation early in December 2003.
The capital works programme in Auckland
includes the refreshment of the Sky Tower
entry and new retail facilities, as well as a
major refurbishment of the existing SKYCITY
Hotel – the last stage of which will be
completed during 2003/04.

One of the most visible
indicators of SKYCITY’s
maturity as a company has
been the adoption of a
master-brand strategy 
across all our operations

Good progress was made during 2002/03 in
maximising our operational, marketing and
branding opportunities with cinema operator
and property company SKYCITY Leisure.

The re-naming of Force Corporation as 
SKYCITY Leisure, the re-branding of the Force
Entertainment Centre as SKYCITY Metro and 
the opening of the first branded Village SKYCITY
Cinemas multiplex, at Westfield St Lukes, were
major achievements. The new brand will be
applied progressively to existing and new sites,
including a development at Fraser Cove,
Tauranga, due to open in April/May 2004.

SKYCITY = Entertainment

Our vision to create fun and entertainment
reached a new level this year. One of the most
visible indicators of SKYCITY’s maturity as a
company has been the adoption of a master-
brand strategy across all our operations. This
decision reflects our intention to build a robust
and internationally recognised SKYCITY brand
and creates significant value through increased
visibility in the communities in which we operate. 

Central to the strategy is a desire to ensure 
our customers recognise and enjoy a distinctive
SKYCITY experience at every one of our
entertainment properties. The common brand
identity also demonstrates SKYCITY’s clear
corporate vision and the application of a
consistent, proven approach to governance,
performance and professional practice
throughout the Group.

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21

Financial and Operating Review

Net Surplus $107.2 million (+26%)

$107.2m

$85.1m*

$70.1m*

$60.3m

$45.6m

Total Dividend 67cps
Special Dividend (11/02) 20cps
Interim Dividend (4/03) 21cps
Final Dividend (10/03) 26cps

47c

38c

31.5c

28c

21.5c

20c

FY

99

00

01

02

03

FY

99

00

01

02

03

NET SURPLUS AFTER TAX ($m)

TOTAL DIVIDEND (cents per share)

The $107.2 million net surplus after tax reported for the
year ended June 2003 was up 26% on the $85.1 million*
reported for the prior year

Earnings and Dividends

Group Operating Revenues ($556 million)

Earnings per share increased from 41.5 cents*
to 51.0 cents per share (cps) in 2002/03 and,
as a result, dividends paid to shareholders
increased from 38cps in 2001/02 to 47cps, plus
an additional 20cps special dividend for the
2002/03 year.

The increased earnings for the Group were
driven by increased revenue performance at
SKYCITY’s Auckland, Adelaide and Queenstown
properties and from the new revenue stream
generated by SKYCITY Hamilton, following its
opening in September 2002. 

A final dividend for the 2002/03 financial year 
of 26cps has been declared and will be paid
on 3 October 2003 to those shareholders on
the SKYCITY register as at 5:00pm on 
19 September 2003. As for previous dividends, 
the FY03 final dividend will be fully imputed. 

Across the Group, operating revenues were up 
9% (+$46 million) over the previous year, 
operating earnings (as measured by EBITDA –
earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and
amortisation) increased by 14% (+$31 million),
and net surplus after tax increased by 26%
(+$22.1 million). 

* before non-recurring items

The revenue growth was accompanied by
effective cost management with performance
ratios improved across the Group – gross
operating margin was increased from 54% 
to 55%, the EBITDA ratio (to revenue) was
increased from 43% to 45%, and the EBIT 
ratio was increased from 34% to 36%. Effective
interest rate management then helped convert
the EBIT gain to a pre-tax profit gain, up from
25% to 28% of revenue.

Group revenues increased by 9% to $556 million,
with SKYCITY Auckland up 8% from $347 million
to $374 million, SKYCITY Adelaide up 9% from
A$95 million to A$103 million, and other New
Zealand operations (SKYCITY Hamilton, SKYCITY
Queenstown Casino, and SKYCITY Leisure) up
38% from $49 million to $68 million.

Of Group revenues, SKYCITY Auckland 
provided 67% of the total, SKYCITY Adelaide
21%, SKYCITY Leisure 7%, SKYCITY Hamilton
4% (for its nine-month trading period), and
SKYCITY Queenstown Casino 1%.

Group Earnings 

• EBITDA 
• EBIT 
• NSBT 

$252m
$201m
$159m

At the EBITDA level, the Group result was up
14% to $252 million, with SKYCITY Auckland up
9% from $183 million to $199 million, SKYCITY
Adelaide up 31% from A$20 million to A$26
million, and other New Zealand operations up
63%, from $14 million to $24 million, with
SKYCITY Hamilton contributing $7.2 million 
of that increase. 

Of particular note within the EBITDA results
was the increase in the SKYCITY Adelaide 
ratio from 21% (of revenues) in FY02 to 25%
in FY03.

At the Group EBIT line, SKYCITY Auckland
contributed 86% of total earnings ($173
million), SKYCITY Adelaide 9% (A$15.2
million), and other New Zealand operations 
5% ($10.5 million).

SKYCITY Auckland

SKYCITY Auckland’s 2002/03 result was
characterised by strong revenue growth across
all business units, an increase in EBITDA ratio
from 52.7% to 53.3%, and an increase in EBIT
ratio by 1.3% points to 46.2%. 

The key results for SKYCITY Auckland showed
revenue growth being converted into strong
operating earnings performance, as set out
below:

• Revenues

up $27 million (+8%)

to $374 million

• EBITDA

up $16.6 million (+9%) 

to $199 million

• EBIT

up $17.4 million (+11%)

to $173 million

In Auckland, the three major expansion 
projects were commenced: the level three
gaming expansion is due for completion in
December 2003; the convention and exhibition
centre was well advanced towards its scheduled
opening in April 2004; and the new 320-room
Qualmark-rated five-star hotel project was
announced last November. The new hotel is
currently scheduled to open in April 2005. 

Gaming

As has been the case for the last two years, 
the 2002/03 Auckland gaming result reflects
significant growth in both table games and
gaming machine revenues of 7% and 8%
respectively.

During the year, 270 new gaming machines
were introduced to replace existing machines.
These new machines were from a range of
suppliers including Aristocrat, Konami, AGT, 
and IGT and the new game types have been
well received by customers.

The gaming expansion will add a further 
230 machines and 12 tables to the total 
gaming presentation in Auckland. Following 
the opening of the gaming expansion (and 
new bar) in December, SKYCITY Auckland 
will have increased its gaming supply from 98
tables and 1,417 machines to 110 tables and 
1,647 machines, a 15% increase in overall 
gaming capacity.

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23

Financial and Operating Review (continued)

During the year, the company expanded its
positioning in the premium play/VIP sector,
which provides an important component of the
overall revenue mix.

demolished to make way for the gaming
expansion. Conference revenues will not
resume until the new facilities become
operational in April 2004.

On the cost management side, implementation
of a new rostering system for scheduling labour
is expected to produce ongoing cost efficiencies
and improved flexibility.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage revenues increased by 10%
to $30 million during the 2002/03 financial year.

During the year, Sky Tower’s Orbit restaurant
was refurbished, with the restaurant closed
during these renovations for only a short two-
week period. The 2002/03 year was the first
full year for the Observatory restaurant (the
new seafood buffet restaurant in Sky Tower)
which recorded more than 60,000 covers, 5%
ahead of pre-opening expectations.

SKYCITY Catering and SKYCITY Cuisine and
Events both established excellent reputations
for quality and service at off-site locations
throughout the Auckland region.

During the 2003/04 year, SKYCITY looks
forward to the opening of the new bar on 
level three of the main complex as part of the 
new expanded gaming facility. 

Hotel and Conference

Hotel and conference revenues were up 7% to
$20 million, despite a number of pressures on
the revenue stream exerted by a reduction in
inbound visitors during the SARS period of
concern, and the closure of the SKYCITY
conference facilities in mid-April – being

SKYCITY looks forward to the
opening of the new bar on
level three of the main
complex as part of the new
expanded gaming facility 

Despite SARS-related reductions in hotel
patronage and the closure of the conference
facilities, second-half FY03 hotel occupancy held
up well at 80%, resulting in an overall average
occupancy for the year of 84%.

During the year, stage two of the three-stage
hotel refurbishment programme was completed,
with the third and final stage being undertaken
during the 2003/04 year. 

Sky Tower

Sky Tower revenues were up 7% to $7.6 million.
This revenue performance continues an impressive
trend of revenue growth, given that Sky Tower
has now passed its sixth anniversary since
opening in August 1997.

Sky Tower attractions such as the Vertigo 
mast climb and the 192-metre Sky Jump are
continuing to maintain a very high profile for
Auckland’s most recognised landmark. The
most recent addition to the Sky Tower
experience has been the opening of a new 
retail and theatrette facility at the entry/exit
station, in August 2003.

Other Revenues

As a result of car parking capacity being
at peak at busy times, car parking revenue
growth in the 2002/03 year was inevitably
constrained. However, revenues still inched
up to $9.3 million.

During 2002/03 more than 120,000 theatre-
goers were treated to a range of entertainment
events at SKYCITY Theatre. Of this total, more
than 35,000 attended the very successful season
of Auckland Theatre Company’s Rocky Horror
Picture Show and more than 20,000 attended
the films presented at the Auckland International
Film Festival. Other productions at SKYCITY
Theatre during the year included: Roger Hall’s
Middle Age Spread; the 70’s musical Boogie
Nights; and NBR Opera’s production of the Barber
of Seville. New Zealand film premieres staged at
SKYCITY Theatre during the year included: Men
in Black 2; Lilo and Stitch; Austin Powers –
Goldmember; and the world premiere of Whale Rider.

SKYCITY Adelaide’s 2002/03
result was characterised by
strong revenue growth in
both gaming and food and
beverage with overall revenues
up by 9% at A$103 million

SKYCITY Adelaide

During 2002/03 SKYCITY Adelaide’s earnings
margins were improved and the growth and
development of the business as a key
entertainment destination in Adelaide was
further progressed.

A number of major entertainment events 
were hosted at SKYCITY Adelaide including
performances by Jimmy Barnes, Marcia Hines,
James Reyne, Diesel, Russell Morris, and Mark
Seymour. A segment of the very popular
Simply Footy show is filmed at SKYCITY
Adelaide and the final eviction episode of the
Australian Big Brother television programme
included a live crossing to SKYCITY Adelaide’s
Marble Hall. These, and other events,
demonstrate that SKYCITY Adelaide has
become one of the most popular entertainment
venues in South Australia.

Revenue growth and cost management were
combined to increase the gross margin ratio
from 32% in FY02 to 35% in FY03, the EBITDA
ratio from 21% to 25%, and the EBIT ratio
from 11% to 15%. 

As was the case for the Auckland operation, the
key performance results for SKYCITY Adelaide
showed continuing revenue growth being
converted into strong operating earnings
performance, as set out below:

• Revenues

up A$8.2 million (+9%)

to A$103 million

• EBITDA

up A$6.2 million (+31%) 

to A$25.9 million

• EBIT

up A$4.9 million (+48%)

to A$15.2 million

Significant capital expenditure committed 
at SKYCITY Adelaide related to new gaming
machines and gaming machine conversions, 
for a number of gaming floor reconfigurations
(to more closely align layout with customer
preference), and for refurbishment of the
Pullman restaurant.

Gaming

Gaming revenue growth for the 2002/03 year
of 10% was contributed to almost equally by
table games at +10% and gaming machines 
at +9%.

As a result of revenue growth and direct cost
management, gaming gross margin was
increased from 35% to 38%.

During the year, 113 new gaming machines 
and 180 gaming machine conversions were
introduced at SKYCITY Adelaide. Of the new
machines, 58 were additional machines and 55
were replacements for existing machines. Total
machine count increased during the year from
831 to 889.

A number of new productivity initiatives
introduced during the year assisted in 
achieving the increase in gross margin
performance. These included a new table
games rostering and scheduling system and 
the introduction of chipping machines, deck
checkers, and shuffling machines.

The Grange Room for premium/VIP players
enjoyed a good year and this facility has
become a popular venue for visiting higher-end
players. The new TAB facility in the Westend
Grandstand Bar on the second gaming level
has also proved popular.

Food and Beverage

Food and beverage revenues increased by 5% to
A$13 million during the 2002/03 financial year.

The Pullman refurbishment was commenced
during the year and will significantly enhance
the attraction of this restaurant within the
overall entertainment mix at the property.

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25

Financial and Operating Review (continued)

The Hamilton facility was
completed on time, and to
budget, and has generated 
a highly favourable response
from the people of Hamilton
and the Waikato/Bay of
Plenty region 

SKYCITY Hamilton
(55% ownership, SKYCITY as operator)

Since opening on 19 September 2002, 
SKYCITY Hamilton has become a popular
entertainment destination for local and
regional visitors alike. The first few weeks 
post-opening proved very busy. After
approximately six weeks, visitation eased back
to more ‘business as usual’ levels. The busy
opening period provided an excellent start for
the business and the strong EBITDA result for
the first ‘year’ (41 weeks) of 35% is expected
to be maintainable at, or about, the same level
into the 2003/04 year.

Initial expectations for SKYCITY Hamilton 
were for first full-year revenues to be in the
order of $27–$28 million at an EBITDA of
around $10 million. Those expectations have
been confirmed by the business result 
to date – at $20.4 million in revenues and $7.2
million in EBITDA for the initial operating period
of 9.3 months.

A comprehensive recruitment and training effort
for SKYCITY’s Hamilton property produced
excellent results in terms of the level of
customer service and cost attitude, which has
been delivered within the Hamilton operation
during its first year. 

The Hamilton facility was completed on time,
and to budget, and has generated a highly
favourable response from the people of
Hamilton and the Waikato/Bay of Plenty region. 

SKYCITY Hamilton is contributing to the
Hamilton and Waikato communities including
through sponsorship of both the Chiefs Super
12 and the Waikato NPC rugby teams.

Since opening in September 2002, the gaming
facilities have been extended from 20 gaming
tables and 300 gaming machines to 23 tables
and 339 machines. A new VIP room, comprising
4 tables and 6 machines, has been established
and trading hours have been extended. A new
conference fit-out of currently unused space
within the Hamilton complex has been
announced and this facility is scheduled to
open in April/May next year.

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino
(60% owned, SKYCITY as operator)

The 2002/03 financial statements report a
significant improvement in the bottom-line
performance of SKYCITY’s boutique gaming
property in Queenstown. Although the targeted
breakeven EBIT position was not achieved, the
business did get close to this objective through
a substantial gain in revenues, whilst 
maintaining a firm line on costs.

SKYCITY Queenstown’s revenues were increased
by 15% in FY03, gross margin was improved
from 24% to 35%, and EBITDA was increased
from $0.3 million to $1.2 million. The EBIT line
loss of $1.3 million in FY02 was almost turned
around with a $1.0 million recovery leading to
a small EBIT loss of $0.3 million in 2002/03.
A positive EBIT result for FY04 is anticipated.

SKYCITY Leisure Limited
(74% ownership on a fully diluted basis – MCNs and shares.

SKYCITY provides operational and corporate services under a 

Management Services Agreement)

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited, as
majority shareholder (50.2% of Leisure’s shares
and 77% of its Mandatory Convertible Notes:
an effective holding of 74.4% on a fully diluted
basis), consolidates the SKYCITY Leisure result
and then accounts for the minority interest.

SKYCITY Leisure reported a net surplus 
of $3.4 million for the 2002/03 year, well ahead
of previous years’ results, which had been
adversely impacted by significant non-recurring
items and write-offs. Having attended to the
historical problems during the 2001/02 year,

2002/03 was the first year in which the
SKYCITY Leisure result was able to be reported
unimpeded by significant one-off items.

SKYCITY Leisure’s EBITDA of $12.2 million 
was up 17% on the prior year and at the EBIT
line the result showed a 28% gain at $8.4
million. Net surplus (before non-recurring items
re FY02) was up 16% on the previous year
at $3.4 million.

SKYCITY Leisure’s cinema operations 
performed well during 2002/03, with cinema
revenues up 5% on the previous year (to $31.4
million) and cinema gross margin up 10% to 
$8.6 million. 

SKYCITY Metro (previously the Force
Entertainment Centre) on Auckland’s Queen
Street performed well, despite reduced revenue
results by the IMAX theatre and losses incurred
by the Planet Hollywood restaurant. During the
year, the IMAX theatre was converted into the
Queen Street Megascreen, which is proving to
be a major attraction for movie-goers. The
Planet Hollywood restaurant is being replaced by
a new restaurant facility which will be operated
by one of Auckland’s leading restaurateurs.
Resolution of these two issues (IMAX and Planet
Hollywood) and the impending fit-out of the
previously vacant Theatro restaurant space will
allow the SKYCITY Metro facility to show
improved returns in 2003/04 and beyond.

SKYCITY Leisure’s cinema
operations performed well,
during 2002/03, with cinema
revenues up 5% on the
previous year (to $31.4
million) and cinema gross
margin up 10% to $8.6 million 

Commencing with the opening of the new
eight-screen cinema complex at Westfield St
Lukes in Auckland in May 2003, the cinema
operations are being progressively re-branded
as Village SKYCITY Cinemas. A new eight-
screen Village SKYCITY Cinemas complex is
scheduled to open in Tauranga in April/May
2004 and other relocations of existing cinema
complexes into Westfield shopping centres are
planned over the next four to five years. The
cinema exhibition business is expanding and
prospects for the near to medium term are
looking very positive.

Canbet Limited 
(32.6% shareholding)

Canbet reported a net surplus of A$499k 
for the year ended 30 June 2003. 

Canbet relocated its internet sports wagering
operations from Canberra, Australia to
Fareham, England in April 2003. The relocation
of the business was a major undertaking but
the change-over from Canberra operations to
U.K. operations was achieved without any
significant downtime or other problems.

During the 2002/03 year, revenues continued to
grow strongly. Despite an adverse change in the
USD/AUD exchange rate, Canbet still managed
to grow its turnover by 33% to A$547 million.

The internet sports wagering business is
characterised by inherent volatility, but Canbet
has shown the potential to create earnings
based on a high-volume low-margin business
model. The U.K. operations will result in an
increased cost base for the company, but the
prospects for continued growth in turnover
remain strong. 

In last year’s Annual Report, it was stated 
that Canbet needed to improve its earnings
performance before SKYCITY could confirm its
longer-term intentions with respect to its
investment. This position remains unchanged,
with Canbet not able to improve its net
earnings position to a significant extent during
2002/03, given the costs associated with
moving its business operations to the United
Kingdom. That relocation is complete and the
business result for the 2003/04 year should
reflect the medium-term prospects for Canbet’s
sports wagering operations.

26

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27

Looking Ahead

Corporate Governance

At SKYCITY, governance reflects the tone and
behaviour expectations that the board sets on
behalf of stakeholders and encompasses the
company’s decision-making structures and the
mechanisms used to manage the organisation

SKYCITY’s priorities for the current financial
year were advised to the market at the time 
of the 2002/03 result release in August. 
These priorities are set out below:

SKYCITY Auckland

SKYCITY Leisure

• Continue revenue growth initiatives across 

• Grow cinema earnings 

• Enhance the cinema offerings and facilities

Canbet 

• Increase turnover and profitability

Community Participation

• Continue/increase the company’s participation
in all the communities within which it operates

all business units

• Open the new gaming facilities (December
2003) and the convention and exhibition
centre (April 2004) on time and to budget

• Progress the hotel project towards its

scheduled opening in April 2005

• Further develop/grow the premium play/VIP

table games sector 

SKYCITY Adelaide

• Enhance the gaming and entertainment

attraction of the Adelaide property

• Continue to grow revenues and improve

profitability

SKYCITY Hamilton

• Consolidate/grow revenues and earnings,

based on the first year’s successful 
operating period

SKYCITY Queenstown Casino

• Achieve a surplus EBIT result

• Further develop VIP/commission table 

games play

28

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

Board of Directors

The SKYCITY Entertainment Group board of directors
is responsible for supervising the management of the
company and has a comprehensive set of corporate
governance practices and procedures in place to
ensure that its responsibilities to shareholders and
other stakeholders are fully complied with

The board currently comprises five non-
executive directors and one executive director.
The chairpersons of the board and the board
committees are non-executive directors. 

Patsy Reddy and Bill Trotter, current directors 
of the company, retire by rotation at the 2003
Annual Meeting and offer themselves for re-
election.

Sir Peter Elworthy, a founder director of the
company, retired at the 2002 Annual Meeting.
Bridget Wickham, former director, resigned in
December 2002.

During the 2002/03 year, the board formally
met on eight occasions, the board’s Audit and
Risk Committee met four times, and the
Governance and Remuneration Committee
met three times. In addition, directors met
informally on a number of occasions to consider
specific issues.  

Jon Hartley
Chairman

Evan Davies
Managing Director

Patsy Reddy
Deputy Chairperson

Jon Hartley was appointed
a director and chairman
of SKYCITY Entertainment
Group Limited in February
1996 and is a member
of the Audit and Risk
Committee. In addition,
he serves on several
advisory groups.

Evan Davies has been
Managing Director of
SKYCITY Entertainment
Group Limited since February
1996. Mr Davies is an
executive director of the
board and is also a director
of SKYCITY’s subsidiary
companies. He served in
2001/02 as a director of the
Tourism Industry Association
of New Zealand and is a
trustee of the Melanesian
Mission Trust.

Patsy Reddy is deputy
chairperson of the board and
chairperson of the Governance
and Remuneration Committee.
Ms Reddy is an executive
director of Active Equities
Limited, a director of Telecom
Corporation of New Zealand
Limited, Infinity Group Limited,
and the Adam Art Gallery
Advisory Board. She is a
trustee of the New Zealand
International Festival of
the Arts and of the Victoria
University of Wellington
Art Collection Trust.

Rod McGeoch

Elmar Toime

Bill Trotter

Bill Trotter was appointed to
the SKYCITY board in March
2000 and is a member of
SKYCITY’s Governance and
Remuneration Committee.
Mr Trotter is chairman of
First NZ Capital Group
Limited, a director of
New Zealand Exchange
Limited and a director of NZX
Index Management Limited.

Elmar Toime was chairman
of the Audit and Risk
Committee until December
2002. Mr Toime is executive
deputy chairman of Royal
Mail Holdings plc. He was
formerly the chief executive
officer of New Zealand Post
Limited. He is a director of
Post Office Limited, chairman
of General Logistics Systems,
and a board member of
the International Postal
Corporation. Mr Toime has
been based in London since
March 2003.

Rod McGeoch is the chairman
emeritus of Corrs Chambers
Westgarth, solicitors, of
Australia. Mr McGeoch is 
a director of Telecom
Corporation of New Zealand
Limited, deputy chairman of
Australian Pacific Airports
Corporation Limited,
chairman of Australian
Growth Properties Limited
and Saatchi & Saatchi’s Trans
Tasman Advisory Board, a
director of Ramsey Health
Care Limited and Frontiers
Group Limited and a trustee
of the Sydney Cricket and
Sports Ground Trust. 
Mr McGeoch is a member 
of SKYCITY’s Governance and
Remuneration Committee.

Alistair Ryan
Company Secretary

Alistair Ryan has been
SKYCITY’s company
secretary since 1995. Mr
Ryan is General Manager
Corporate for the SKYCITY
Group and is a director of
SKYCITY’s subsidiary
companies.

30

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31

Corporate Governance

100%

100%

60%

55%

50.2%*

32.6%

SKYCITY
Auckland

SKYCITY
Adelaide

SKYCITY
Queenstown

SKYCITY
Hamilton

SKYCITY
Leisure Limited

Canbet
Limited

*74.4% fully diluted

Governance at SKYCITY 

SKYCITY’s Governance Principles

At SKYCITY governance reflects the tone and
behaviour expectations that the board sets on
behalf of stakeholders and encompasses the
company’s decision-making structures and the
mechanisms used to manage the organisation.

The board has adopted the ten governance
principles, as set out below. These principles
reflect the Corporate Governance Guidelines of
the ASX and the Corporate Governance Best
Practice Code of the NZX. 

SKYCITY’s board and management are
committed to ensuring that the company
maintains best practice governance structures
and principles. In this regard, the board is
developing a Board Charter which will ensure
that the recent ASX (Australian Stock
Exchange) and NZX (New Zealand Exchange)
corporate governance requirements,
recommendations, and guidelines are
embedded in the governance structures and
principles of the company. This Charter will pull
together many of the existing elements of
corporate governance at SKYCITY.

The Board Charter will be finalised before the
end of the 2003 calendar year and a copy of
the Charter will be posted on the company’s
website for access by any interested party. 

The board will continue to monitor best practice
recommendations and developments as they
occur, as has been the case in the past.

The board of SKYCITY Entertainment Group,
through a set of formal policies and procedures
comprising the corporate governance framework
of the company:
• establishes a clear framework for oversight

and management of the company’s operations
and for defining the respective roles and
responsibilities of the board and management
• structures itself to be effective in discharging

its responsibilities and duties

• sets standards of behaviour expected of

company personnel

• safeguards the integrity of the company’s

financial reporting

• ensures timely and balanced disclosure
• respects and facilitates the rights 

of shareholders

• recognises and manages risk
• encourages board and management effectiveness
• remunerates fairly and responsibly, and
• recognises its obligations to all stakeholders.

There are a number of supporting charters and
policies already in place, which will combine 
with the Board Charter to comprise SKYCITY’s
governance framework. These support charters
and policy statements, in addition to the
company’s constitution, comprise the following:
• Terms of Appointment and Terms of

Reference for Directors 
• Code of Business Practice 
• Audit and Risk Committee Charter 
• Governance and Remuneration Committee

Charter

• Nomination Committee Charter 
• Code for Securities Transactions and Insider

Trading Policy 

• Delegated Authorities Policies 
• Protected Disclosures Policy
• Risk Management Programme

Role of the Board

SKYCITY’s board of directors is responsible for
supervising the management of the company
on behalf of the shareholders.  

The board establishes the company’s 
objectives, the major strategies for achieving
those objectives, the overall policy framework
within which the business of the company is
conducted, and monitors management’s
performance with respect to these matters.

The board is also responsible for ensuring that
the company’s assets are maintained under
effective stewardship, that decision-making
authorities within the organisation are clearly
defined, that the letter and intent of New
Zealand and Australian company and casino law
is complied with, and that the company is well
managed for the benefit of its shareholders.

Specific responsibilities of the board include 
the following:
• oversight of the company, including its control
and accountability procedures and systems
• appointment, performance, and removal of

the Managing Director (chief executive officer)

• confirmation of the appointment and removal

of the senior executive group (being the
direct reports to the Managing Director)
• setting the remuneration of the Managing

Director and approval of the remuneration 
of the senior executive group

• approval of the corporate strategy and

objectives and oversight of the adequacy of
the company’s resources required to achieve
the strategic objectives

• approval of the annual plan/budget (including
the capital expenditure plan) and monitoring
of actual results against budget 

• review and ratification of the company’s

systems of risk management and internal
compliance and control, codes of conduct,
and legal compliance

• approval and monitoring of the progress of
significant capital expenditure projects,
capital management initiatives, and
acquisitions and divestments.

The board has appointed three committees, being: 
• The Audit and Risk Committee
• The Governance and Remuneration

Committee, and

• The Nomination Committee. 

Each committee is authorised to deal with
matters as set out in its committee charter
and/or falling within its intended mandate, 
on the following basis; 
• to submit recommendations to the board on
matters for which decision-making authority
has not been delegated by the board
• to make decisions on matters for which

decision-making authority has been delegated
by the board.

The board maintains a formal set of delegated
authorities (including a Treasury Policy) which
clearly define the responsibilities that are
delegated to management and those which 
are retained by the board. These delegated
authorities are approved and are subject to
annual review by the board.

The board appoints new directors under formal
terms of reference/appointment. Directors must
comply with the terms of reference at all times. 

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33

Corporate Governance (continued)

Structure of the Board and
Commentary on 2002/03 Matters

The board currently comprises six directors,
five of whom are non-executive. Evan Davies,
Managing Director of the company, is the only
executive director.

Board changes during the 2002/03 year were: 
• Rod McGeoch was appointed to the board in
September 2002 and was then elected a
director by shareholders at the company’s
Annual Meeting on 30 October 2002

• Sir Peter Elworthy, a founder director of the
company, retired after 10 years’ service as a
director at the 2002 Annual Meeting. In
accordance with provisions contained in the
company’s constitution, the board resolved to
make a retirement payment to Sir Peter of
$107,507 (before tax). This payment
represented a proportion of the director’s fees
paid to Sir Peter during the three years prior
to his retirement and was consistent with the
retirement provisions for directors as set out
in the company’s constitution

• Bridget Wickham resigned from the board in

December 2002.

Bill Trotter and Patsy Reddy, current directors
of the company, retire by rotation at the 2003
Annual Meeting and, being eligible, offer
themselves for re-election.

Following the resignation of Bridget Wickham
as a director in December 2002 and until a
new director is appointed, the Audit and Risk
Committee has been constituted as comprising
all non-executive directors of the company.
Meetings of the Audit and Risk Committee held
during the 2002/03 year and comprising all
non-executive directors as the committee
occurred in February and June 2003.

The Governance and Remuneration Committee 
is chaired by Patsy Reddy. Rod McGeoch and
Bill Trotter are the other members of the
Committee.

The Managing Director, Evan Davies, attends
meetings of each of the board committees.

The board is of the view that it has appropriate
composition and competence to effectively deal
with current and emerging issues of the
business, can effectively review and challenge
the performance of management, and can
exercise independent judgement. Application
for approval of an additional director by the
regulatory authorities, to bring the board size
up to seven directors, is currently in process.

Directors are appointed for a term of three
years or are subject to re-appointment on a
more frequent basis in order for the company
to comply with the listing rules of the NZX and
the ASX.

The board contains a majority of its number
who are independent of management,
substantial shareholders, or other parties 
with whom SKYCITY has a business or other
relationship that could reasonably be perceived
to interfere with the exercise of unfettered and
independent judgement. 

The board chairperson, Jon Hartley, is an
independent director, is not the company’s 
chief executive officer, and has ensured that 
he has the time necessary to discharge the 
role effectively.

The board has established the Nomination
Committee to recommend the appointment 
and removal of directors. 

The board meets at least six times per 
annum on a formal, scheduled basis and 
on other occasions as required. During 
the 2002/03 year, the board met formally on
eight occasions, six of which were scheduled
meetings and two of which were called to
attend to particular items of business. The
Audit and Risk Committee met four times and
the Governance and Remuneration Committee
met three times during the 2002/03 year.

The number of board meetings attended by
each director during the year ended 30 June
2003, with the number of meetings held while
each director was in office shown in brackets,
is noted on page 35.

• J P Hartley
• E W Davies
• R H McGeoch
• P L Reddy
• E Toime
• W R Trotter
• P H Elworthy*
• B M Wickham*

7
8
7
8
7
8
2
4

(8)
(8)
(7)
(8)
(8)
(8)
(2)
(4)

* Retired/resigned from the board during the 2002/03 year

The non-executive directors met independently
of the executive director and management
personnel on a number of occasions during 
the course of the year to discuss a number of
specific issues.

During August 2003, the board was assisted 
by an external consultant in carrying out a
formal review of its composition, performance,
and effectiveness.

Matters Relating to Directors

Directors are required to advise the chairperson
of all outside directorships or other appointments
which, may have a bearing on their role as a
SKYCITY director, prior to taking up any such
appointment.

Directors must ensure that all relationships and
appointments bearing on their independence
(whether generally or for a specific matter) are
disclosed on a timely basis and must provide
any further information required to enable the
board to make an informed assessment of their
independence on a continuous basis.

The company has signed a deed of indemnity in
favour of each director (and senior executives)
which covers acts or omissions of directors (or
executives) in their capacity as such. 

The company also provides professional indemnity
insurance cover for directors acting in good faith
in the conduct of the company’s affairs.

On 23 September 2002, the company 
effected directors’ and officers’ liability insurance
coverage through Royal and SunAlliance Liability
Insurance Limited and American Home Assurance
Company (AIG) for the period 30 September

2002 to 30 September 2003, with an aggregate
limit of liability of $50 million. The premium cost
of this cover was $72,000 (plus GST).

Also on 23 September 2002, the company
effected statutory liability insurance through
Royal and SunAlliance for the period 
30 September 2002 to 30 September 2003,
with an aggregate limit of liability of $5 million,
and employer’s liability insurance with an
aggregate limit of liability of $1 million. The
premium cost of these covers was $14,760
(plus GST) and $6,600 (plus GST) respectively.

On 16 September 2003, the company 
renewed the three policies referred to above 
for a further period of 12 months (from 30
September 2003 to 30 September 2004) on
the same terms and conditions and at the
same premiums as applied for the year ending
30 September 2003.

The disclosure of existing interests is an
ongoing responsibility of each director. Where a
conflict of interest arises (or where a potential
conflict of interest may arise), each director
must formally advise the company about any
matter relating to that conflict (or potential
conflict) of interest.

Directors are entitled to obtain independent
professional advice (at the expense of the
company) on any matter relating to their
responsibilities as a director or to the
company’s affairs, provided they have
previously notified the board chairperson of
their intention to do so. No such requests or
notifications occurred during the 2002/03 year.

Committees of the Board

During the 2002/03 year, the board had two
committees: the Audit and Risk Committee;
and the Governance and Remuneration
Committee. In August 2003, the board resolved
to establish a Nomination Committee. Each
committee operates under a charter document
as agreed by the board and each committee
charter is subject to formal review by the board
on an annual basis. The board appoints the
chairperson of each committee.

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35

Corporate Governance (continued)

All directors are entitled to attend any committee
meeting. All directors receive the agenda and the
papers for each committee meeting and the
minutes of each meeting.

From time to time the board creates specific
sub-committees to deal with a particular matter
or matters and/or to have certain decision-
making authority as the board may elect to
delegate to that sub-committee. The minutes 
of any such sub-committee meetings are
circulated to all directors.

Integrity and Ethical Behaviour
Expectations

Members of the board (and management) 
must at all times comply with the express
terms and spirit of their fiduciary obligations to
the company, including acting honestly and in
good faith and in what they reasonably believe
to be the best interests of the company.

Members of the board (and management) 
must ensure that sensitive information they
hold about the company is treated in strict
confidence and that property of the company
(including information) is used solely in the
best interests of the company.

The company operates in accordance with a
Code of Business Practice, which sets out the
guiding principles of its relationships with
stakeholder groups such as regulators,
shareholders, customers, and employees. 

The company has adopted a policy for
employees to report instances of suspected
breaches of laws, or wrongdoing, by the
company and/or any of its employees or
directors, without fear of adverse consequences,
and for such reporting to be properly
investigated.

The company maintains a code of practice for
directors and senior executives which sets out
the procedures that must be followed before
trading in the company’s securities. The
company’s insider trading policy is supported by
education for directors and executives about
their obligations when trading in the company’s
securities. The current procedures are set out in

the SKYCITY ‘Code for Securities Transactions
and Insider Trading Policy’.

Directors and staff are not permitted to
participate in any gaming or wagering activity
at any SKYCITY property or with any related
company, eg Canbet.

The board, through its committees and
reporting structures, monitors compliance with
the company’s regulatory obligations and
internal policies and procedures.

Financial Reporting

The board ensures that effective policies and
procedures are in place to ensure the integrity
of the company’s financial reporting.

The Audit and Risk Committee comprises
at least three directors all of whom are
independent non-executive directors and must
be financially literate. At least one member of
the committee must have financial expertise
(ie has knowledge and experience of accounting,
and of financial matters and regulations).

The Audit and Risk Committee has
responsibility for oversight of the quality,
reliability, and accuracy of the company’s
internal and external financial statements, 
for the quality of the company’s external 
result presentations, for its internal control
environment and risk management
programmes, and for its relationships 
with its internal and external auditors.

The Audit and Risk Committee has a formal
charter setting out its role and responsibilities,
authority, relationship with the board, reporting
requirements, composition, structure, and
membership requirements. The board, on an
annual basis, reviews the performance of the
committee in accordance with its charter. 

The Audit and Risk Committee undertakes
sufficient inquiry of the company’s management
and the company’s internal and external
auditors in order to be satisfied as to the
validity and accuracy of the company’s 
financial reporting.

The Audit and Risk Committee meets with the
internal and external auditors independently of
management as often as is appropriate, but not
less than twice per annum.

The Audit and Risk Committee oversees the
independence of the company’s internal and
external auditors and monitors the scope and
quantum of work undertaken, and fees paid, to
the auditor for other than audit work.

During the 2002/03 year, John Harvey,
PricewaterhouseCoopers’ SKYCITY audit partner
since 1995, was replaced as audit partner by
David Randell, consistent with the agreed policy
for audit partner rotation.

The Annual Report, at Note 3 to the Financial
Statements, identifies the level of non-audit
fees paid to PricewaterhouseCoopers during the
2002/03 financial year. In the year ended 30
June 2003, assurance services provided by
PricewaterhouseCoopers totalled $823,000 
and non-audit services (mainly tax advisory
services) totalled $554,000. Non-audit services
therefore represented 40% of the total fees
paid to the company’s external audit firm,
PricewaterhouseCoopers. Of that 40%, tax
advisory services comprised 38%.

In addition to external audit,
PricewaterhouseCoopers also provides internal
audit services. PricewaterhouseCoopers has
developed expertise in the operational review
of gaming and hospitality activities and it is the
view of the committee and the board that a
separation of external auditor and internal
auditor is neither necessary nor of advantage
to the business.

The committee is satisfied that the
independence of PricewaterhouseCoopers, 
as the company’s external auditor, is not
compromised as a consequence of other than
audit work undertaken for the company.
PricewaterhouseCoopers has confirmed to 
the board that it is not aware of any matters
that could affect its independence in performing
its duties.

Timely and Balanced Disclosure

The company seeks to communicate its 
financial and key operational performance
results (both positive and negative) in a clear,
effective, balanced, and timely manner to 
its shareholders, analysts and other market
commentators, and to the stock exchanges 
on which the company’s securities are listed.
This information is available on the company’s
website.

The board ensures that all directors and senior
management are aware of, and comply with,
the company’s reporting responsibilities and
disclosure requirements under stock exchange
listing rules applicable to the company and in
accordance with the company’s internal policies.

The board (and the Audit and Risk Committee
as appropriate) ensures that company
announcements are made in a timely manner,
are factual, do not omit any material
information, and are expressed in a clear
and objective manner.

The agenda for each board meeting includes
formal consideration of the company’s disclosure
obligations and any matters relevant thereto.

The company maintains internal policies 
and procedures, and monitors compliance 
with those policies and procedures, in order to
protect the confidentiality of its commercially
sensitive information.

Recognition and Management of Risk

The company maintains a programme for 
the identification, assessment, monitoring, 
and management of risk to the company’s
business. The risk management programme is
approved and overseen by the Audit and Risk
Committee in accordance with the charter for
that committee.

The company maintains an up-to-date risk
profile for each of its business operations 
and ensures that business continuity/disaster
recovery plans are in place and are well
understood throughout the organisation.

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37

Corporate Governance (continued)

The company also maintains comprehensive
business continuity programmes, together with
material damage and liability insurance covers
to ensure that the earnings of the business are
well protected from adverse circumstances.

Performance Evaluation

The Nomination Committee’s charter includes
assessment of the role and responsibilities,
performance, composition, structure, training,
and membership requirements of the board,
with this assesment to be formally undertaken
on an annual basis.

Directors are expected to maintain an up-to-
date knowledge of the company’s business
operations and of the industry sectors within
which the company operates. Briefings,
circulation of information, and site visits are
organised as appropriate to assist directors to
be aware of, and to understand, company and
industry issues.

The company operates
remuneration structures,
which are sufficient and
reasonable to attract and
retain talented and motivated
directors and employees, and
which define the relationship
of remuneration to individual
and corporate performance

Remuneration

The board is supported by the Governance 
and Remuneration Committee on matters
relating to staffing and personnel (human
resources) and remuneration. The role and
responsibilities, composition, structure 
and membership of the Governance and
Remuneration Committee is set out in the
committee’s charter. 

• Non-Executive Director Fees

Non-executive director remuneration is paid in
the form of directors’ fees. Fees may be paid in
cash or in shares. For the year ended 30 June
2003, directors’ fees were paid as a combination
of cash and share options issued under the
terms of the Non-Executive Director Share
Option Plan approved by shareholders at the
company’s 2000 Annual Meeting. The 2000
Non-Executive Director Share Option Plan had
a term of three years which has now expired.
It is not the intention of the directors to renew
the Plan and director fees for the 2003/04 will
be paid in cash.

Non-executive directors are paid the same base
fee but additional remuneration may be paid for
additional work undertaken by any director, at
the discretion of the board, and subject to the
maximum remuneration amount which has been
approved by the shareholders of the company.

The chairpersons of the board and the
committees are paid additional remuneration 
to reflect the additional responsibilities of their
positions. Where the board chairperson is also
the chair of the Nomination Committee, no
additional remuneration is paid for that
committee chairperson role.

The company’s constitution permits the
company to make a retirement payment to a
director (or his or her dependants), provided
that the total amount of the payment does not
exceed the total remuneration of the director
in his or her capacity as a director in any three
years chosen by the company, or that the
payment has been authorised by an ordinary
resolution of the company’s shareholders.

Internal and External Stakeholders
and Community Responsibility

All SKYCITY personnel must comply with the
company’s Code of Business Practice which sets
out how company personnel should undertake
their business dealings and the behaviours that
are expected of them. 

Non-executive directors are currently paid
directors’ fees of $50,000 per annum plus 
GST (if any) and the chairperson of the board
is paid $100,000 per annum plus GST (if any).
From 1 July 2003, the board has resolved that
the chairpersons of the Audit and Risk and
Governance and Remuneration Committees
should receive an additional payment of
$10,000 per annum plus GST (if any), in
recognition of the additional work required to
discharge the responsibilities of the committee
chairperson role.

The directors’ fees currently prevailing are 
as authorised by the resolution passed by
shareholders at the 2000 Annual Meeting,
providing for up to $450,000 plus GST (if any),
to be paid in total for director remuneration in
any year.

The Notice of Meeting for the 2003 Annual
Meeting proposes that total director
remuneration be increased from $450,000 per
annum plus GST (if any) to $600,000 per
annum plus GST (if any). Jon Hartley refers
to the proposed fee increase in his chairman’s
report included in this Annual Report and a
letter from John Egan Associates providing an
independent view in support of the proposal is
included with the Notice of Annual Meeting.

• Managing Director Remuneration

The Managing Director is paid a salary plus
annual performance-related remuneration, 
as approved by the board. Currently the
performance-related remuneration is paid 
in cash.

Following approval by shareholders at the
2002 Annual Meeting, a total of 2,338,530
share options were issued to the Managing
Director, Evan Davies, under the terms of the
Managing Director Share Option Plan 2002.
These options, plus options issued between
1999 and 2002 and as approved by
shareholders at the company’s 1999 Annual
Meeting, comprise the longer-term, equity-
based incentive plan for the Managing Director.

38

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

39

Financial Statements and Statutory Information

Contents

Auditors’ Report
Statements of Financial Performance
Statements of Movement in Equity
Statements of Financial Position
Statements of Cash Flows
Statement of Accounting Policies
Notes to the Financial Statements

42
43
44
45
46
49
54

The board of directors of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited authorised these
financial statements for issue on 22 August 2003.

J P Hartley
Chairman

E W Davies
Managing Director

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Consolidated 

Parent Company

Notes

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

2

3

12

9

564,313

513,300

(405,693)

(422,379)

139,494

(30,695)

99,106

(31,755)

158,620

(51,117)

90,921

(44,286)

108,799

67,351

–

–

107,503

46,635

108,799

67,351

(286)

10,518

–

–

107,217

57,153

108,799

67,351

Revenue

Expenses

Surplus before income tax

Income tax

Surplus for the year

Net (surplus)/deficit attributable to 

minority interest

Net Surplus Attributable to
Parent Shareholders

AUDITORS’ REPORT
to the shareholders of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited

We have audited the financial statements on pages 43 to 76. The financial statements provide information about 
the past financial performance and cash flows of the Company and Group for the year ended 30 June 2003 and their
financial position as at that date. This information is stated in accordance with the accounting policies set out on
pages 49 to 53.

Directors’ Responsibilities
The Company’s Directors are responsible for the preparation and presentation of the financial statements which give 
a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and Group as at 30 June 2003 and their financial
performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date.

Auditors’ Responsibilities
We are responsible for expressing an independent opinion on the financial statements presented by the Directors and
reporting our opinion to you.

Basis of Opinion
An audit includes examining, on a test basis, evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial
statements. It also includes assessing:

(a)

the significant estimates and judgements made by the Directors in the preparation of the financial statements; and

(b) whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the circumstances of the Company and Group, consistently

applied and adequately disclosed.

We conducted our audit in accordance with generally accepted auditing standards in New Zealand. We planned and
performed our audit so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary to provide us
with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free from material misstatements,
whether caused by fraud or error. In forming our opinion we also evaluated the overall adequacy of the presentation of
information in the financial statements.

We have no relationship with or interests in the Company or any of its subsidiaries other than in our capacities as
auditors under the Companies Act 1993, internal auditors, tax and accounting advisers.

Unqualified Opinion
We have obtained all the information and explanations we have required.

In our opinion:

(a)

proper accounting records have been kept by the Company as far as appears from our examination of those
records; and

(b)

the financial statements on pages 43 to 76:

(i) comply with generally accepted accounting practice in New Zealand; and

(ii) give a true and fair view of the financial position of the Company and Group as at 30 June 2003 and their

financial performance and cash flows for the year ended on that date.

Our audit was completed on 22 August 2003 and our unqualified opinion is expressed as at that date.

Chartered Accountants

Auckland

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

42

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

43

STATEMENTS OF MOVEMENTS IN EQUITY
For the year ended 30 June 2003

STATEMENTS OF FINANCIAL POSITION
As at 30 June 2003

Consolidated 

Parent Company

Notes

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

6

9

5

4

5

4

4

4

7

9

Net surplus for the year, comprising

Parent shareholders’ interest

Minority interest

Other recognised revenues and expenses

Foreign currency translation reserve

Total minority interest in changes in revaluation 
and foreign currency translation reserves

Total recognised revenues and expenses

Buyback of shares

Movement in employee share entitlement reserve

Exercise of share options

Shares issued under dividend reinvestment plan

Employee share entitlements issued

Distributions to owners

Minority interest in contributions

from owners

Movements in equity for the year

Equity at the beginning of year, comprising

Parent shareholders' interest

Minority interest

Equity at end of year, comprising

Parent shareholders’ interest

Minority interest

107,217

286

57,153

(10,518)

108,799

67,351

–

–

107,503

46,635

108,799

67,351

1,111

(5,107)

–

(45)

–

–

–

–

108,614

41,483

108,799

67,351

(12,967)

1,107

2,555

22,372

2,378

–

949

9,463

23,227

1,579

(12,967)

1,107

2,555

22,372

2,378

–

949

9,463

23,227

1,579

(133,362)

(67,150)

(133,362)

(67,150)

–

(9,303)

14,242

23,793

–

–

(9,118)

35,419

250,547

230,433

226,786

191,367

5,321

1,642

–

–

255,868

232,075

226,786

191,367

240,958

250,547

217,668

226,786

5,607

5,321

–

–

246,565

255,868

217,668

226,786

Consolidated 

Parent Company

Notes

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

4

5

6

9

10

10

10

11

13

10

16

17

14

19

20

246,518

232,180

246,518

232,180

1,932

(7,492)

(286)

18,653

6,151

5,044

(35,001)

(10,438)

240,958

250,547

217,668

226,786

5,607

5,321

–

–

246,565

255,868

217,668

226,786

437,113

13,365

149,266

24,683

405,825

9,315

148,888

20,811

–

–

–

–

149,266

148,888

–

–

624,427

584,839

149,266

148,888

–

64,836

1,000

65,836

372

61,140

1,000

62,512

–

2,378

–

2,378

–

3,061

–

3,061

690,263

647,351

151,644

151,949

936,828

903,219

369,312

378,735

–

21,586

636,990

207,844

–

209,860

206,710

23,306

596,037

212,384

–

137

–

–

152

–

866,420

831,727

209,997

206,862

57,264

10,246

2,898

70,408

48,456

19,970

3,066

71,492

–

1

159,315

171,872

–

–

159,315

171,873

936,828

903,219

369,312

378,735

Equity
Share capital

Reserves

Retained earnings

Shareholders’ equity

Minority interests

Total equity

Liabilities
Non-current liabilities

Borrowings

Convertible notes

Capital notes

Deferred tax

Total non-current liabilities

Current liabilities
Bank overdraft

Payables and accruals

Borrowings

Total current liabilities

Total liabilities

Total Equity and Liabilities

Assets
Non-current assets
Investments in subsidiaries

Investments in associates

Property, plant, and equipment

Intangible assets

Total non-current assets

Current assets
Cash and bank balances

Accounts receivable

Inventories

Total current assets

Total Assets

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

The above statements should be read in conjunction with the accompanying notes.

44

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

45

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS
For the year ended 30 June 2003

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

569,979

514,913

3,009

2,169

572,988

517,082

60

–

60

76

36

112

Operating activities
Cash was provided from

Receipts from customers

Interest received

Cash was applied to

Payments to suppliers and employees

(281,034)

(267,702)

Interest paid

Net GST (paid) / received

Gaming taxes paid

Income taxes paid

Net cash flows from operating activities

Investment activities
Cash was provided from

Sale of fixed assets

Sale of investments

Cash was applied to

Purchase and construction of fixed assets

Capitalised interest paid

Purchase of investments

Purchase of subsidiaries

Net Cash Flows from Investment Activities

(44,847)

(3,992)

(34,114)

(34,318)

(45,575)

(747)

(32,202)

(48,124)

(398,305)

(394,350)

174,683

122,732

–

–

–

(80,760)

(1,173)

–

–

(81,933)

(81,933)

3,384

21,878

25,262

(51,199)

–

(8,853)

(563)

(60,615)

(35,353)

(16,103)

(13,982)

(15,708)

(14,140)

60

–

(32,160)

(62,185)

(62,125)

40

–

(44,639)

(74,447)

(74,335)

–

–

–

(7)

–

–

–

(7)

(7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(4,202)

(4,202)

(4,202)

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

Financing activities
Cash was provided from

Proceeds from long-term debt

Proceeds from issue of convertible notes

Exercise of share options

Dividends from subsidiaries

Advances from subsidiaries

Advances from minority interests

Issue of shares in Queenstown Casinos Limited

Issue of mandatory convertible notes by 

SKYCITY Leisure Limited

Gains on foreign currency swaps hedging 
investment in foreign operations

Cash was applied to

Share repurchase

Repayment of short-term debt

Repayment of long-term debt

Purchase of convertible notes

Advances to subsidiaries and associates

Distributions to shareholders

178,516

9,000

2,555

–

–

–

–

–

2,348

192,419

(12,967)

(1,000)

(146,947)

(4,950)

–

(110,990)

61,200

–

9,463

–

–

7,203

880

7,196

2,251

88,193

–

–

2,555

125,000

58,533

–

–

–

–

–

–

9,463

92,000

63,979

–

–

–

–

186,088

165,442

–

(12,967)

(88,969)

(21,095)

–

(14,103)

(43,923)

–

–

–

–

(110,990)

Net cash flows from financing activities

(84,435)

(79,897)

62,131

(276,854)

(168,090)

(123,957)

Net increase/(decrease) in cash held

Foreign currency translation adjustment

Opening cash and bank

Cash at End of Year

Composition of cash

Cash and bank

Bank overdraft

8,315

865

48,084

57,264

57,264

–

57,264

7,482

(1,001)

41,603

48,084

48,456

(372)

48,084

(1)

–

1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(42,982)

(43,923)

(86,905)

78,537

–

–

1

1

1

–

1

46

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

47

STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Reconciliation with operating surplus

Reported surplus after tax

Less associated entity deficits

Less minority interests

Items not involving cash flows and 

non-operating cash flows

Depreciation expense

Goodwill impairment

Increase in provisions

Increase in employee share entitlement reserve

Amortisation expense

Amortisation of deferred expenditure

Increase in deferred taxation

Write-off of investments

Dividend from subsidiary

Subsidiary transactions

Movement in foreign exchange

Impact of changes in working capital items

(Increase)/decrease in accounts receivable

(Increase)/decrease in inventory

Increase/(decrease) in creditors and accruals

(Increase)/decrease in pre-paid income tax

Items classified as investing activities

Net loss on disposal of fixed assets

Loss on sale of investments

Capitalised costs

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

107,217

57,153

108,799

67,351

(246)

286

107,257

(344)

(10,518)

46,291

–

–

–

–

108,799

67,351

40,980

–

–

3,502

5,052

628

3,872

–

–

–

(2,351)

51,683

(892)

168

3,696

10,617

13,589

–

–

2,154

2,154

37,236

16,730

239

2,528

4,803

1,430

1,495

22,422

20

–

–

3,502

–

378

–

–

28

–

–

2,528

–

378

–

–

–

–

(125,000)

(61,834)

(133)

136

(92,000)

(54,640)

1,230

86,750

(182,798)

(142,476)

2,175

230

(7,752)

(5,253)

9,883

–

(683)

2,674

(10,600)

11,874

31

(290)

550

291

–

–

–

–

(437)

–

(655)

1,882

790

–

–

–

–

Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities

174,683

122,732

(62,125)

(74,335)

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES
For the year ended 30 June 2003

ENTITIES REPORTING
The financial statements presented are for the reporting entity SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited (the parent
company) and the consolidated financial statements of the group comprising SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited,
its subsidiaries, associates, and joint ventures.

STATUTORY BASE
SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited is a company registered under the Companies Act 1993 and is an issuer in terms
of the Securities Act 1978.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Financial Reporting Act 1993
and the Companies Act 1993.

MEASUREMENT BASE
The financial statements have been prepared on the basis of historical cost with the exception of certain items for
which specific accounting policies are identified.

ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with New Zealand generally accepted accounting practice. The
accounting policies that materially affect the measurement of financial performance, financial position, and cash flows
are set out below.

Principles of consolidation
The consolidated financial statements include those of the parent company and its subsidiaries accounted for using 
the purchase method, and include the results of associates using the equity method. Subsidiaries are entities that 
are controlled, either directly or indirectly, by the parent. Associates are entities in which the parent, either directly or
indirectly, has a significant but not controlling interest. All material intercompany transactions, balances and unrealised
surpluses and deficits on transactions between group members have been eliminated on consolidation.

The results of subsidiaries or associates acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated
Statements of Financial Performance from the date of acquisition or up to the date of disposal.

Operating revenue recognition
Revenues include casino, hotel, food and beverage, tower admissions, cinema admissions, and other revenues. Casino
revenues represent the net win to the casino from gaming activities, being the difference between amounts wagered
and amounts won by the casino patrons.

Revenues exclude the retail value of rooms, food, beverage and other promotional allowances provided on
a complimentary basis to customers.

Income tax
The company follows the liability method of accounting for deferred taxation. The taxation charge against surplus
for the year is the estimated liability in respect of that surplus after allowance for permanent differences between
accounting and tax rules.

The impact of all timing differences between accounting and taxable income is recognised as a deferred tax liability 
or asset. This is the comprehensive basis for the calculation of deferred tax under the liability method. Timing
differences relating to interest capitalised to buildings are determined on a net present value basis over the estimated
life of the buildings.

A deferred tax asset, or the effect of losses carried forward that exceed the deferred tax liability, is recognised in 
the financial statements only where there is virtual certainty that the benefit of the timing differences, or losses, will 
be utilised.

48

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

49

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Goods and Services Tax (GST)
The Statements of Financial Performance and Statements of Cash Flows have been prepared so that all components 
are stated net of GST. All items in the Statements of Financial Position are stated net of GST, with the exception of
receivables and payables, which include GST invoiced.

Foreign currencies

Transactions
Transactions denominated in a foreign currency are converted to New Zealand dollars at the exchange rates in effect at
the date of the transaction, except when forward currency contracts have been taken out to cover short-term forward
currency commitments. Where short-term forward currency contracts have been taken out, the transaction is translated
at the rate contained in the contract.

Foreign currency receivables and payables at balance date are translated at exchange rates current at balance date.
Exchange gains and losses are brought to account in determining the surplus for the year, except where monetary
liabilities are identified as a hedge against an independent foreign operation.

Foreign operations
Revenues and expenses of independent foreign operations are translated to New Zealand dollars at the exchange
rates in effect at the date of the transaction, or at rates approximating them. Assets and liabilities are converted
to New Zealand dollars at the rates of exchange ruling at balance date.

Exchange differences arising from the translation of independent foreign operations are recognised in the foreign
currency translation reserve, together with unrealised gains and losses on foreign currency monetary liabilities that
are identified as hedges against these operations.

Property, plant, and equipment

Initial recording
The cost of assets is the value of the consideration given to acquire the assets, and the value of other directly
attributable costs, which have been incurred in bringing the assets to the location and condition necessary for their
intended service. Funding costs incurred during the period of construction are capitalised as part of the total cost of
the assets.

The cost of self-constructed assets includes the cost of all materials used in construction, direct labour on the project,
costs of obtaining Resource Management Act consents, financing costs that are directly attributable to the project and
an appropriate proportion of variable and fixed overheads. Costs cease to be capitalised as soon as the asset is ready
for productive use and do not include any inefficiency costs.

Depreciation
As construction is completed and property, plant, and equipment are used in operations, depreciation is charged on 
a straight-line basis (other than freehold land) so as to write off the cost of the assets to their estimated residual value
over their expected useful lives. Gains and losses on disposals of property, plant, and equipment are taken into account
in determining the operating result for the year. The estimated economic lives are as follows:

Category

Buildings

Building fit-out

Plant and equipment

Fixtures and fittings

Software

Vehicles

Estimated useful life

5–75 years

10 years

2–75 years

3–20 years

3–5 years

3 years

Deferred expenditure
Costs directly incurred in obtaining and operating funding arrangements, such as origination, commitment and
transaction fees, are amortised to earnings over the period of the funding arrangement. If an arrangement does
not proceed, costs incurred in setting up the arrangement are expensed to earnings immediately.

Operator rights are expensed to earnings over the period of each management contract.

Leased assets – operating leases
Leases under which the lessor effectively retains all the risks and benefits of ownership are classified as operating
leases. Operating lease payments are recognised as an expense in the periods of expected benefit.

Investments
The parent company’s investment in the share of its subsidiaries are stated at cost in the Statements of Financial Position.

Joint ventures
When a member of the group participates in a joint venture arrangement, that member recognises its proportionate
interest in the individual assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of the joint venture. The liabilities recognised include
its share of those for which it is jointly liable.

Intangible assets

Amortisation of casino licences acquired
Amortisation of casino licences is calculated on a straight-line basis so as to expense the cost of the licences over their
legal lives. The directors review the carrying amounts annually and adjust the value of amortisation if impairment in
value above normal amortisation has occurred.

Goodwill
Goodwill represents the excess of purchase consideration over the fair value of the net identifiable assets held by a
subsidiary at the time of acquisition of shares in that subsidiary. Goodwill is capitalised and amortised over the period
of expected benefit, which may be up to twenty years from the time of acquisition. The directors review the carrying
amount annually and adjust the value of goodwill if impairment in value above normal amortisation has occurred.

Impairment
Annually, the directors assess the carrying value of each asset. Where the estimated recoverable amount of the asset
is less than its carrying amount, the asset is written down. The impairment loss is recognised in the Statements of
Financial Performance.

Inventories
Inventories, all of which are finished goods, are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value determined on
a first in, first out basis.

Accounts receivable
Accounts receivable are carried at estimated realisable value after providing against debts where collection is doubtful.
Bad debts are written off during the year in which they are identified.

50

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

51

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTING POLICIES (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

Employee entitlements
Employee entitlements to salaries and wages, non-monetary benefits, annual leave and other benefits are recognised
when they accrue to employees. This includes the estimated liability for salaries and wages and annual leave as a result
of services rendered by employees up to balance date.

Financial instruments

Recognised
Financial instruments carried on the Statements of Financial Position include cash and bank balances, investments,
receivables, trade creditors, and borrowings. These instruments are carried at their estimated fair value. For example,
receivables are carried net of the estimated doubtful receivables. The particular recognition methods adopted are
disclosed in the individual policy statements associated with each item.

Where possible, financial assets are supported by collateral or other security. These arrangements are described in the
individual policy statements associated with each item.

Unrecognised
The parent company and group are also parties to financial instruments that have not been recognised in the financial
statements. These instruments reduce exposure to fluctuations in interest rates and include fixed rate borrowings, cross
currency interest rate swaps, interest rate swap and forward rate agreements, which have been transacted. Any risks
associated with these instruments are not recorded in the financial statements. The net differential paid or received is
recognised as a component of interest expense over the period of the agreement.

Forward exchange contracts entered into as hedges of foreign exchange assets and liabilities are valued at exchange
rates prevailing at period end. Any unrealised gains or losses are offset against foreign exchange gains and losses
on the related asset or liability. Premiums paid on currency options are amortised over the period to maturity.

Full disclosure of information about financial instruments to which the group is a party is provided in note 21.

Statements of Cash Flows
The following are definitions of the terms used in the consolidated and parent company’s Statements of Cash Flows:

• Operating activities are those activities relating to the trading and management of the business and include all
transaction and other events that are not investing or financing activities. Cash receipts from customers are net 
of complimentaries.

• Investing activities are those activities relating to the acquisition, holding, and disposal of fixed assets and of

investments. Investments can include securities not falling within the definition of cash.

• Financing activities are those activities that result in changes in the size and composition of the capital structure

of the group. This includes both equity and debt not falling within the definition of cash. Share issues, repurchases,
and dividends paid in relation to the capital structure are included in financing activities.

• Cash is considered to be cash on hand including cash for use within the casino and current accounts in banks,

net of bank overdrafts and short-term deposits.

Capital note interest
Interest on capital notes is expensed to earnings consistent with other interest costs and is included in funding
expenses in the Statements of Financial Performance.

Share options
No remuneration expense is recognised in respect of share options issued pursuant to Executive and Non-executive
Director Share Option Plans. When the options are exercised, the proceeds received are credited to share capital.

Pre-licence expenditure
Pre-licence expenditure relates to expenditure incurred to obtain a casino premises licence. Pre-licence expenditure
is expensed as incurred.

CHANGES IN ACCOUNTING POLICIES
During the year the Group and the Parent Company changed the following accounting policies.

Investment in associates
The board of directors has applied the requirements of Financial Reporting Standard No.38 Accounting for Investments
in Associates in the preparation of these financial statements. As a consequence of adopting this financial reporting
standard the following accounting policies have been changed:

Goodwill on acquisition
Under the new policy, goodwill attributable to the acquisition of an associate is recognised as part of the carrying
amount of the investment and is not recognised separately in the Statements of Financial Position. Previously, such
goodwill was separately recognised and classified as an intangible asset.

This change in accounting policy has resulted in the unamortised balance of goodwill on acquisition of associates
amounting to $11,536,400 (30 June 2002: $13,253,683) being transferred from intangible assets to investments in
associates in the Statements of Financial Position. The comparative figures have been adjusted to comply with the
new policy.

Share of surpluses /(deficits) of associates
Under the new policy the group’s share of the net surpluses of associates is recognised as part of operating surplus
before income tax. Previously, the group recognised dividends received from associates in operating surplus before tax
and recognised the group’s share of retained surpluses of associates in net surplus.

This change in accounting policy has resulted in an increase in operating surplus before income tax of $246,066
(30 June 2002: $344,000). However, this change in accounting policy has had no effect on net surplus. Comparative
figures have been adjusted to comply with the new policy.

There have been no other changes in accounting policies.

52

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

53

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
For the year ended 30 June 2003

1.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

Geographic segments

New Zealand

Australia

Total

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

673,671

643,714

263,157

259,505

936,828

903,219

448,328

398,698

115,985

114,602

564,313

513,300

189,964

163,215

17,922

12,566

207,886

175,781

(35,649)

(31,847)

(13,617)

(13,861)

(49,266)

(45,708)

Assets

Revenue

Result

Segment

Interest expense

Unusual items

Write-off of Argentina investment 
by SKYCITY Leisure Limited

Write-off of goodwill on 
consolidation of SKYCITY 
Leisure Limited

–

–

(22,422)

(16,730)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(22,422)

(16,730)

Net Segment Result

154,315

92,216

4,305

(1,295)

158,620

90,921

The surplus/(deficit) is that of the group before income tax, minority interest and extraordinary items.

The group currently operates in the entertainment, leisure and recreation sector.

Sales revenue

Investment revenue

Share of associated company profit before tax

Dividends from wholly owned entities

Interest received

Inter-company interest received

Other revenue

Use of money interest received

Foreign currency gains

Gain on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

Other – group companies

Other revenue

Total Revenue

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

556,493

510,243

246

–

2,795

–

2,046

2,212

–

–

521

344

2

2,150

–

–

149

52

–

360

–

–

–

–

125,000

92,000

1,695

5,695

–

–

–

–

7,104

367

944

–

–

–

73

5,722

564,313

513,300

139,494

99,106

2. REVENUE

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

3.

EXPENSES

Included within expenses are the following expense items:

Operating expenses

Depreciation – buildings

Depreciation – plant and equipment

Depreciation – motor vehicles
Depreciation – furniture and fittings

Total depreciation

Amortisation of other intangibles, patents, and licenses

Amortisation of goodwill

Rental expense on operating leases

Loss on disposal of property, plant, and equipment

Employee remuneration

Foreign currency translation losses

Costs of offering credit

Bad debts written off

Increase in estimated doubtful debts

Cost of borrowings

Interest paid

Other funding expenses

Governance expenses

Directors’ remuneration

Amounts paid to auditors

Fees paid to principal auditors

Assurance services:

Statutory audit fees

Compliance audit fees

Accounting advice and assistance

Tax compliance services

Other services:

Taxation consulting services

Consulting services
Accounting assistance to group companies

Audit fees paid to other auditors

Total Amounts Paid to Auditors

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

7,501

26,890

47
6,542

40,980

2,680

2,372

6,897

–

7,989

23,390

38
5,819

37,236

2,549

2,254

7,668

83

–

5

–
15

20

–

–

36

–

148,904

131,751

8,481

–

30

294

495

4

344

–

–

–

–

12

–
16

28

–

–

17

–

2,941

1,230

–

–

47,592

1,674

44,030

1,678

13,837

–

13,675

378

466

321

436

337

232

349

21

221

823

518

36
–

554

114

228

367

108

339

1,042

512

83
331

926

88

1,491

2,056

35

–

88

226

349

212

–
–

212

–

561

80

–

87

266

433

246

62
94

402

–

835

54

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

55

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

3.

EXPENSES (continued)

4.

SHARE CAPITAL (continued)

Consolidated 

Parent Company

Movements in the number of share options outstanding under the Executive Share Option Plan are as follows:

Sundry expenses

Community Trust and donations

Unusual items

Write-off of Argentinian investment by 

SKYCITY Leisure Limited

Write-off of goodwill on consolidation of 

SKYCITY Leisure Limited

4.

SHARE CAPITAL

2003

$'000

2002

$'000

2003

$'000

3,187

2,620

–

–

–

22,422

16,730

39,152

–

–

–

–

2002 

$'000 

111

–

–

–

Issued and Paid-up Capital

Ordinary shares

Balance at beginning of year

Shares issued under dividend reinvestment scheme

Exercise of share options

Shares issued under employee bonus scheme

Shares repurchased and cancelled

232,180

22,372

2,555

2,378

(12,967)

197,911

23,227

9,463

1,579

–

232,180

22,372

2,555

2,378

(12,967)

197,911

23,227

9,463

1,579

–

Closing Share Capital

246,518

232,180

246,518

232,180

Ordinary shares
As at 30 June 2003 there were 210,135,588 shares issued and fully paid (2002: 207,593,422). All ordinary shares rank
equally with one vote attached to each fully paid ordinary share.

Dividend Reinvestment Plan
Pursuant to the Dividend Reinvestment Plan approved by the board of directors on 15 August 2000, 3,220,407 (2002:
4,323,582) shares were issued in lieu of cash dividend of $22,371,523 (2002: $23,227,334). The strike price was $6.95
per share (2002: 2,364,674 at $5.167; 1,958,908 at $5.620). The Dividend Reinvestment Plan ceased in October 2002.

Executive Share Option Plan

1999 Plan
All options issued pursuant to the Executive Share Option Plan approved by shareholders at the Annual Meeting of the
company held on 28 October 1999 are exercisable one year after the date of issue provided the terms and conditions
of the Plan are met, and lapse if not exercised within five years of issue. The exercise price of the options issued under
the 1999 Plan is the relevant base exercise price of the option (as defined in the Plan), adjusted for the company’s
estimated cost of equity and dividends between the issue date and the exercise date of the options.

Subsequent to the share split on 16 November 2001 all options exercised will receive two shares.

Balance at beginning of year

Granted

Exercised

Lapsed

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

2002

2003

2002

1,450,110

1,549,110

1,450,110

1,549,110

3,516,030

886,000

3,516,030

886,000

(152,000)

(985,000)

(152,000)

(985,000)

(16,000)

–

(16,000)

–

Balance at End of Year

4,798,140

1,450,110

4,798,140

1,450,110

Executive share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following terms:

Vesting
Date

26/08/99

30/08/00

04/09/01

10/09/02

Expiry
Date

26/08/04

30/08/05

04/09/06

10/09/07

Base
Exercise  Option
Price

Value

$7.52

$7.68

$11.61

$7.05

$0.45

$0.37

$0.82

$0.46

114,110

435,000

733,000

124,110

435,000

891,000

114,110

435,000

733,000

3,516,030

–

3,516,030

124,110

435,000

891,000

–

Balance at End of Year

4,798,140

1,450,110

4,798,140

1,450,110

The 1999, 2000 and 2001 options all convert to two shares upon exercise. The 2002 options convert to one share upon
exercise. The 2002 options include 2,338,530 options issued to the Managing Director as approved by shareholders
by the 2002 Annual Meeting of the company. These options cannot be exercised prior to 10 September 2005.

Non-Executive Directors’ Share Option Plan
Pursuant to the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Option Plan approved by shareholders at the Annual Meeting 
of the company held on 26 October 2000, 150,175 options are on issue to non-executive directors as at 30 June 2003
(2002: 85,365).

Options are exercisable one year after the date of issue provided the terms and conditions of the Plan are met, and
lapse if not exercised within five years of issue. The exercise price of the options issued under this plan is the relevant
base exercise price of the option (as defined in the Plan), adjusted for the company’s estimated cost of equity and
dividends between the issue date and the exercise date of the options.

Subsequent to the share split on 16 November 2001 all options exercised will receive two shares.

Movements in the number of share options outstanding under the Non-Executive Directors’ Share Option Plan 
are as follows:

Balance at beginning of year

Granted
Exercised

85,365

125,785
(60,975)

216,216

85,365
(216,216)

85,365

125,785
(60,975)

216,216

85,365
(216,216)

Balance at End of Year

150,175

85,365

150,175

85,365

56

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

57

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

4.

SHARE CAPITAL (continued)

5. RESERVES 

Non-executive share options outstanding at the end of the year have the following terms:

Consolidated 

Parent Company

Vesting
Date

04/09/01

10/09/02

Expiry
Date

Base
Exercise  Option
Price

Value

04/09/02

10/09/03

$11.61

$7.05

$0.82

$0.48

Balance at End of Year

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

24,390

125,785

150,175

2002

$’000

85,365

–

2003

$’000

24,390

125,785

2002 

$’000 

85,365

–

85,365

150,175

85,365

Option valuation
The options are valued using the Black-Scholes model, as at the vesting date. The calculations were prepared by First
NZ Capital Group Limited and Deloitte Touche Tomatsu, and were reviewed by PricewaterhouseCoopers as auditors.
Under this calculation the value of all options issued during the year was $1,655,182 (2002: $796,519).

Repurchase and cancellation of shares
On 5 November 2002 SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited announced that it would commence an on-market share
buyback programme of up to $60 million of the company’s shares. Details of the share buyback programme up until
30 June 2003 are detailed below.

Date

March 2003

April 2003

Shares 
Repurchased

1,390,283

168,370

Total Shares Repurchased

1,558,653

Average 
Purchase Price

$8.36

$7.98

$8.31

Balances

Foreign currency translation reserve

Employee share entitlement reserve

Total Reserves

Analysis

Foreign currency translation reserve

Balance at beginning of year

Effect of hedging the net investment of overseas subsidiaries

Exchange difference on translation of overseas subsidiary

Balance at End of Year

Employee share entitlement reserve

Balance at beginning of year

Less value of shares issued during the year

Less forfeiture of entitlements for prior years

Less cash issued in lieu of shares

Plus value of share entitlements for current year

Balance at End of Year

2003

$’000

(4,219)

6,151

1,932

(5,330)

(134)

1,245

(4,219)

5,044

(2,378)

–

(17)

3,502

6,151

2002

$’000

(5,330)

5,044

(286)

(223)

(5,344)

237

(5,330)

4,095

(1,571)

(80)

(8)

2,608

5,044

2003

$’000

–

6,151

6,151

–

–

–

–

5,044

(2,378)

–

(17)

3,502

6,151

2002 

$’000 

–

5,044

5,044

–

–

–

–

4,095

(1,571)

(80)

(8)

2,608

5,044

Under the SKYCITY Performance Pay Incentive Plan, selected employees have been eligible for performance related
bonuses in respect of the financial years ending 30 June 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003. The employee share entitlement
reserve represents the value of ordinary shares to be issued in respect of the Plan for the years ended 30 June 2000,
2001, 2002 and 2003.

Shares are issued in three equal installments, being one-third of the shares on the bonus declaration date, and provided
eligibility criteria continue to be met, one-third on the next entitlement date (approximately 12 months later) and one-
third on the final entitlement date (approximately 24 months later).

Shares are issued at the average closing price of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited’s shares on the New Zealand
Exchange on the ten business days following the release to the New Zealand Exchange of the SKYCITY Entertainment
Group Limited’s annual result for the relevant year of the Plan.

Shares issued have the same rights as existing ordinary shares and are issued as soon as possible after the tenth
business day following the release of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited’s annual result to the New Zealand
Exchange for the relevant year of the Plan.

58

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

59

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

6. RETAINED EARNINGS

8.

IMPUTATION BALANCES

7. DIVIDENDS

Analysis

Balance at beginning of year

Net surplus for the year

Dividends paid and provided

Balance at End of Year

Composition

Parent and subsidiaries

Associates

Ordinary dividends

Interim dividend paid

Dividend paid in cash

Dividend reinvestment in shares

Prior year final dividend paid

Dividend paid in cash

Dividend reinvestment in shares

Special dividend

Total Dividends

The dividends are fully imputed.

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

18,653

107,217

28,650

57,153

(10,438)

108,799

(133,362)

(67,150)

(133,362)

(10,639)

67,351

(67,150)

(7,492)

18,653

(35,001)

(10,438)

(8,082)

590

(7,492)

18,309

344

18,653

(35,001)

(10,438)

–

–

(35,001)

(10,438)

44,217

–

24,478

22,372

42,295

20,864

11,009

23,059

12,218

–

44,217

–

24,478

22,372

42,295

20,864

11,009

23,059

12,218

–

133,362

67,150

133,362

67,150

On 22 August 2003 the board of directors resolved to pay a final dividend of 26 cents per ordinary share, a total at that
date of $54,635,000. The actual total dividend will differ as a result of shares issued under the employee bonus scheme,
and through the buyback and cancellation of shares, subsequent to 22 August 2003. The dividend will be paid on
3 October 2003 to all shareholders on the company’s share register at the close of business on Friday, 19 September 2003.

Movements

Imputation credit account 

Balance at beginning of year

Tax payments, net of refunds

Credits attached to dividends received

Supplementary tax credits

Balance at End of Year

9. MINORITY INTERESTS

Balance at beginning of year

Acquisition of SKYCITY Leisure Limited

Share of surpluses/(losses) in subsidiaries

Adjustment to fair value of assets acquired 

in SKYCITY Leisure Limited

Increase in shareholding of subsidiaries

Share of movements in reserves
Acquisition of Planet Hollywood

Balance at End of Year

Consolidated 

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

38,868

27,514

23,817

44,294

(65,688)

(32,930)

6,741

7,435

3,687

38,868

5,321

–

286

1,642

3,563

(10,518)

–

–

–
–

5,607

1,485

8,076

(45)
1,118

5,321

Mandatory Convertible Notes
As SKYCITY Leisure is part of the consolidated group, the Mandatory Convertible Notes (MCNs) are eliminated from the
group financial statements on consolidation and are effectively represented by the assets and liabilities of the SKYCITY
Leisure group as included in the consolidated Statements of Financial Position.

On 1 March 2002 the subsidiary company SKYCITY Leisure Limited issued 30,980,023 MCNs for every five ordinary
shares held at an issue price of $1.00 per MCN. Each MCN converts to ordinary shares on the earlier of the maturity
date (31 December 2006) and the date selected by SKYCITY Leisure Limited following an election by a holder to
convert as a result of a take-over offer. At this date each MCN will convert to two ordinary shares or such a number
that is equal in value to the principal amount of MCNs converted, whichever is greater. The value of the shares is
determined on the basis of 95% of the weighted average sale price of an ordinary share on the New Zealand Exchange
during the 20 days prior to maturity date.

Each MCN carries an interest coupon equivalent to (i) the amount of the dividend paid in respect of each ordinary
share multiplied by (ii) the sum of ordinary shares which a note would convert to if conversion occurred on that
interest payment date, including any bonus issue the holder might have been entitled to. This interest is payable at 
the option of SKYCITY Leisure Limited.

60

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

61

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

10. BORROWINGS 

10. BORROWINGS (continued)

Borrowings due within 12 months

Secured
Bank loans (i)

Total Borrowings Due Within 12 Months

Non-current borrowings
Secured

Bank loans (i)

Less deferred funding expenses

Unsecured

Convertible notes (ii)

Capital notes (iii)

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

1,000

1,000

439,810

(2,697)

437,113

13,365

149,266

162,631

2002

$’000

1,000

1,000

408,241

(2,416)

405,825

9,315

148,888

158,203

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

149,266

149,266

148,888

148,888

Total Non-Current Borrowings

599,744

564,028

149,266

148,888

(i)

Bank loans
At balance date, a bank loan secured by a composite debenture over the assets and undertakings of certain
members of the group was outstanding to the amount of $361,275,578 (2002: $344,533,654). The interest rate,
inclusive of bank margin and hedging instruments, at 30 June 2003 was 7.38% on NZ borrowings (2002: 7.26%
on New Zealand borrowings and 7.31% on Australian borrowings).

A facility of NZ$493,615,645 (2002: NZ$513,262,176), secured by way of composite debenture, was available
to the group as at 30 June 2003. The facility comprises:

• A fixed term facility of NZ$326,275,578 and a revolving credit facility of NZ$167,340,067 (2002:

NZ$193,560,000 and NZ$100,000,000).

• The available fixed term facility reduces by NZ$15,000,000 every 31 March over the duration of the facility.
The current maturity of the facility is November 2005. There is a one-year extension each anniversary at the
option of the bank.

• The Australian dollar facility of A$130,930,000 was repaid during the year and replaced by an increased NZ$
facility. The 30 June 2002 balance of this facility was A$191,800,000 converted at 0.8730 to NZ$219,702,176,
comprising a A$131,800,000 (NZ$150,973,654) fixed term facility and a revolving credit facility of
A$60,000,000 (NZ$68,728,522).

Queenstown Casinos Limited
• At balance date, Queenstown Casinos Limited had a bank facility of $5,500,000 (2002: $6,000,000), of which
$3,000,000 was drawn down (2002: $3,000,000). The loan is secured by a debenture (floating charge) over
the assets of the company. This facility expires on 31 December 2004.

Riverside Casino Limited
• At balance date, Riverside Casino Limited had a bank facility of $20,000,000 (2002: nil), of which $15,000,000

was drawn down (2002: nil). The loan is secured by a composite general security over the assets of the
company and a mortgage over real property owned by the company. This facility expires on 16 September 2005.

SKYCITY Leisure Group 
At balance date, SKYCITY Leisure Limited had four secured loans totalling $61,534,834 (2002: four secured loans
totalling $61,706,850).

The loans are secured by a variety of registered mortgages or debentures over individual properties and the
assets and undertakings of the SKYCITY Leisure group as follows:

• A bank term loan facility of $38,405,000 (2002: $40,000,000) secured by an assignment by way of security of
SKYCITY Leisure’s interest in the New Zealand and Fiji cinema joint ventures, assignment by way of security 
of SKYCITY Leisure’s interest in Planet Hollywood (Civic Centre) Limited, a first registered mortgage over and
assignment by way of security of all lease agreements of SKYCITY Metro, and a first registered mortgage over
82 Symonds Street, Auckland. The interest rate, inclusive of bank margin, at 30 June 2003 was 8.24% (2002:
8.09%). Reductions of $250,000 per quarter are made against the facility as well as half-yearly payments
based on the net rental of SKYCITY Metro.

• A bank cash advance facility with a limit of $22,000,000, drawn to $22,000,000 as at 30 June 2003 (2002:

$20,500,000). This facility has the same security as the bank term loan facility above. There are no scheduled
amortisations and the interest rate, inclusive of bank margin, at 30 June 2003 was 7.19% (2002: 7.57%).

• A bank term loan facility of $1,062,334 (2002: $1,127,000) secured by first mortgage over the Fiji multiplex.
The interest rate, inclusive of bank margin, at 30 June 2003 was 8.25% (2002: 9.00%). The final repayment
is to be made on 30 September 2003.

• A bank term loan facility to Village Rialto Cinemas Limited of $67,500 (2002: $80,000) secured by registered

mortgage debenture over Village Rialto Cinemas Limited. Village SKYCITY Cinemas Limited provides a
guarantee for 50% of the outstanding facility. The interest rate, inclusive of bank margin, at 30 June 2003 
was 7.10% (2002: 7.60%). The final payment is to be made on 30 September 2004.

The SKYCITY group has not provided any guarantees in relation to any of the SKYCITY Leisure group loans.

Weighted Average Interest Rate
The weighted average interest rate on banking facilities (inclusive of margin) on the group’s NZ$ debt, incurred
during the year ended 30 June 2003, was 7.38% (2002: 7.20%). The weighted average interest rate (inclusive
of margin) on the Australian debt incurred during the year ended 30 June 2003, was 7.10% (2002: 7.13%).

(ii) Convertible notes

Convertible notes were issued by subsidiary company Riverside Casino Limited as follows:

Class

A – issued 21 March 2000

A – issued 2 September 2002

B – issued 21 March 2000

B – issued 2 September 2002

C – issued 21 March 2000

C – issued 2 September 2002

D – issued 21 March 2000

D – issued 2 September 2002

Price

$1.00

$1.00

$1.00

$1.00

$1.10

$1.00

$1.40

$1.00

Number of notes

Rate of interest

5,619,888

2,700,000

4,683,240

2,250,000

4,683,240

2,250,000

3,746,592

1,800,000

27,732,960

15.00%

10.00%

15.00%

10.00%

15.00%

10.00%

15.00%

10.00%

The amount appearing in the consolidated Statements of Financial Position ($13,365,000; 2002: $9,315,000)
represents the minority shareholders’ portion of the notes issued by Riverside Casino Limited.

62

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

63

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

10. BORROWINGS (continued)

11. DEFERRED TAX LIABILITY 

A total of 9,000,000 convertible notes were issued during the year with an interest rate of 10%.

Interest payable on the convertible notes accrues from 1 October 2002. Accrued interest will be paid quarterly 
in arrears. During the year convertible noteholders approved a change in interest rate to 15% for the C and D
convertible notes (2002: C notes 13.64%, D notes 10.71%).

The convertible notes have been issued on the basis that payments by note holders will be due at such time or
times and in such installments as is determined from time to time by the board of directors of Riverside Casino
Limited. The convertible notes are unsecured and rank without any preference among the classes and all classes
are pari passu in all respects.

The convertible notes will be converted into ordinary shares on the maturity date 21 March 2010. Riverside
Casino Limited may elect that all or some of the notes be converted at an earlier date.

The convertible notes do not carry any voting rights. Convertible notes are not entitled to any distributions made
by Riverside Casino Limited in respect of its ordinary shares prior to the conversion date of the convertible notes.

iii)

Capital notes

Balance at beginning of year

Balance at end of year

Deferred expenses at cost

Accumulated amortisation

Balance at end of year

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

150,000

150,000

150,000

150,000

1,875

(1,141)

734

1,875

(763)

1,112

2003

$’000

150,000

150,000

1,875

(1,141)

734

2002 

$’000 

150,000

150,000

1,875

(763)

1,112

Net Capital Notes at End of Year

149,266

148,888

149,266

148,888

On 5 May 2000 SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited issued a prospectus offering up to 150 million unsecured
subordinated capital notes at an issue price of $1.00 per note. At 30 June 2000 60.072 million of capital notes
had been issued. The offer closed on 28 July 2000, and 150 million capital notes had been issued at that date.
The capital notes offer holders a fixed interest rate until the first election date, being 15 May 2005. Election dates
will occur every five years after the first election date.

Prior to the election date, the company must notify holders of the proportion of their capital notes it will redeem
(if any) and, if applicable, the new conditions (including as to interest rate, interest dates, new election date, and
other modifications to the existing conditions) that will apply to the capital notes from the election date. Holders
may then choose either to retain some or all of their capital notes on the new terms, and/or to convert some 
or all of their capital notes into SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited ordinary shares. SKYCITY Entertainment
Group Limited may elect to redeem or purchase some or all of the capital notes that holders have elected to
convert, at an amount equal to the principal amount plus any accrued but unpaid interest.

If capital notes are converted, holders will receive ordinary shares equal in value to the aggregate of the principal
amount of the notes plus any accrued but unpaid interest. The value of the shares is determined on the basis of
95% of the weighted average sale price of an ordinary share on the New Zealand Exchange during the 15 days
prior to the election date.

The capital notes do not carry voting rights. Capital note holders are not entitled to any distributions made by
SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited in respect of its ordinary shares prior to the conversion date of the capital 
notes, and do not participate in any change in value of the issued shares of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited.

Non-current

Balance at beginning of year

Prior year timing differences

Current year movements

Balance at End of Year

12.

INCOME TAX

Surplus before tax

Permanent differences 

Dividends received

Inter-company eliminations

Share of associates’ tax paid earnings

Non-taxable income

Expenditure not deductible for tax

Additional depreciable value

Future income tax benefits not recognised

Adjustment for other tax rates (Australia)

Over provision in prior years

Surplus subject to tax

Tax at 33%

Income Tax Recognised in the Statements

of Financial Performance

Comprising

Estimated current period tax assessment

Future income tax benefit

Deferred income tax liability

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

20,811

1,049

2,823

24,683

2002

$’000

19,316

335

1,160

20,811

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

158,620

90,921

108,799

67,351

–

–

–

(3,724)

5,837

(3,010)

483

(220)

(3,086)

–

–

(125,000)

15,803

(92,000)

25,121

(344)

–

36,409

–

8,730

(258)

(1,258)

–

–

503

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(105)

(472)

154,900

134,200

51,117

44,286

51,117

44,286

49,342

(2,096)

3,871

51,117

43,267

(476)

1,495

44,286

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

The parent company, together with its New Zealand based wholly-owned subsidiary companies, excluding SKYCITY
Management (Auckland) Limited, and SKYCITY Wellington Limited form a consolidated group for income tax purposes.
Accordingly, income tax payments and imputation credit movements are generally reported on a consolidated basis 
and are available to shareholders through their shareholding in the parent company.

At 30 June 2003 the group has income tax receivable of $315,071 (2002: pre-paid tax of $13,290,711).

During the year the New Zealand Inland Revenue Department advised that it would allow the income tax credit
claimed in relation to the Harrah’s contract termination fee. This resulted in use of money interest of $2,045,920 being
transferred to pre-paid income tax.

64

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

65

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

13. PAYABLES AND ACCRUALS 

14. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT (continued)

Current

Trade creditors

Accrued expenses

Advance from minority interests

Employee entitlements
Total Payables and Accruals

14. PROPERTY, PLANT, AND EQUIPMENT 

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

8,709

37,900

–

18,227
64,836

2002

$’000

19,940

21,157

3,604

16,439
61,140

2003

$’000

89

2,289

–

–
2,378

2002 

$’000 

561

2,500

–

–
3,061

Group

Buildings
Buildings at cost

Land
Land at cost

Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment at cost

Motor vehicles
Motor vehicles at cost

Furniture, fixtures, and fittings
Furniture, fixtures, and fittings at cost

Other capital assets
Capital work in progress

Parent

Plant and equipment
Plant and equipment at cost

Furniture, fixtures, and fittings
Furniture, fixtures, and fittings at cost

2003

Acc

Depn

$’000

Cost

$’000

Book

Value

$’000

Cost

$’000

2002

Acc

Depn

$’000

Book

Value

$’000 

447,770

(42,033)

405,737

419,360

(33,330)

386,030

84,296

–

84,296

79,481

–

79,481

214,078

(117,428)

96,650

189,521

(103,052)

86,469

334

(256)

78

356

(265)

91

58,413

(33,405)

25,008

43,942

(28,682)

15,260

25,221

–

25,221

28,706

–

28,706

830,112

(193,122)

636,990

761,366

(165,329)

596,037

153

201

354

(103)

(114)

(217)

50

87

137

111

238

349

(98)

(99)

(197)

13

139

152

Borrowing costs in relation to the funding of the SKYCITY Grand Hotel, convention and exhibition centre and the
gaming expansion have been capitalised to these projects, $1,172,706 (2002: nil). Total capitalised interest and facility
fees included in the cost of land and buildings at 30 June 2003 is $34,147,706 (2002: $32,975,000).

A memorandum of encumbrance is registered against the title of land for Auckland casino in favour of Auckland City
Council. Auckland City Council requires prior written consent before any transfer, assignment or disposition of the land.
The intent of the covenant is to protect the council’s rights under the resource consent, relating to the provision of the
bus terminus, public car park and the provision of public footpaths around the complex.

A further encumbrance records the council’s interest in relation to the sub-soil areas under Federal and Hobson Streets
used by SKYCITY as carparking and a vehicle tunnel. The encumbrance is to notify any transferee of council’s interest as
lessor of the sub-soil areas.

Part of the Riverside Casino (Hamilton) property (an area of airspace over the land) is held on trust for Perry
Developments Limited. This area may be used for strata title apartments to be held by Perry Developments Limited.
Drainage rights have been granted over parts of the land appurtenant to Lot 2 Plan 5.23789 (CT22C/1428). There is
also a right of way granted over part of Lot 1 and part of Lot 2 DP580554.

The Riverside Casino site is also subject to the normal rights that the Crown reserves in respect of minerals and mining
in relation to the sub-soil areas. Furthermore, the land title is subject to Section 27B of the State Owned Enterprises Act
1986 which does not provide for the owner of the land to be heard in relation to any recommendations of the Waitangi
Tribunal for the resumption of the land. At balance date the company was not aware of any matters pertaining to the
land under the State Owned Enterprises Act 1986.

15. COMMITMENTS

The following amounts have been committed to by the Group or Parent, but not recognised in the financial statements.

Operating leases

Non-cancellable operating lease commitments:

Payable not later than one year

Payable later than one, not later than two years

Payable later than two, not later than five years

Payable later than five years

Total Operating Lease Commitments

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

8,430

7,509

39,310

148,985

204,234

6,921

7,201

14,324

168,031

196,477

7

7

2

–

16

42

7

7

–

56

Operating lease commitments include a sub-soil lease on the Auckland Casino site (17 years and 6 months remaining),
a premises lease for the Adelaide Casino site (82 years remaining) and a premises lease for the Queenstown Casino site
(4 years remaining).

Capital expenditure

Amounts committed to capital expenditure

Total Capital Expenditure Commitments

143,355

143,355

16,512

16,512

–

–

–

–

The above capital expenditure relates to purchases of plant and equipment for the Auckland, Adelaide and Queenstown
complexes and construction and fit-out costs associated with the SKYCITY Grand Hotel, convention and exhibition
centre and the gaming expansion.

66

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

67

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

16. INVESTMENTS IN SUBSIDIARIES 

17. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES 

The Parent company’s investment in subsidiaries comprises shares at cost. Significant subsidiaries comprise:

Name of entity

Principle activities

2003

2002

Interest held by the group

SKYCITY Auckland Holdings Limited

Group funding

SKYCITY Auckland Limited

Casino premises licence holder

SKYCITY Casino Management Limited

Casino operator's licence holder

SKYCITY Management (Auckland) Limited

Employment of staff

Abdiel Investments Limited

SKYCITY Construction Limited

Sky Tower Limited

SKYCITY Wellington Limited

Riverside Fund Limited

SKYCITY International Holdings Limited

SKYCITY International ApS

SKYCITY Australia Pty Limited

SKYCITY Adelaide Pty Limited

Property owner

Non-trading

Non-trading

Promotion company

Holding company

Holding company

Danish holding company,
incorporated in Denmark

Australian holding company,
incorporated in Australia

Adelaide Casino licence holder and 
operator, incorporated in Australia

SKYCITY Investments Limited

Holding company

SKYCITY Action Management Limited

Loyalty programme

Queenstown (Hard Rock) Investments Limited

Joint venture partner

Queenstown Casinos Limited

Riverside Casino Limited

Casino premises licence holder

Casino premises licence holder

Riverside Casino Construction Limited

SKYCITY Leisure Limited

Property owner

Holding company

SKYCITY Leisure Holdings Limited

Property and administration

SKYCITY Cinemas Limited

SKYCITY Metro Limited

Cinema exhibition

Property

SKYCITY Cinemas (Fiji) Limited

Cinema exhibition, incorporated in Fiji

Planet Hollywood (Civic Centre) Limited

Restaurant

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

60%

55%

55%

74%

74%

74%

74%

74%

74%

100%

100%

100%

100%

60%

55%

55%

74%

74%

74%

74%

74%

74%

All wholly owned subsidiary companies and significant partly-owned subsidiaries have balance dates of 30 June.

Riverside Casino Construction Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Riverside Casino Limited. SKYCITY Leisure
Holdings Limited and SKYCITY Cinemas Limited are wholly owned subsidiaries of SKYCITY Leisure Limited. SKYCITY
Metro Limited and Planet Hollywood (Civic Centre) Limited are wholly owned subsidiaries of SKYCITY Leisure Holdings
Limited. SKYCITY Cinemas (Fiji) Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of SKYCITY Cinemas Limited.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited holds a 60% share in Queenstown Casinos Limited, which is the holder of 
a casino premises licence in Queenstown.

Details of associates

Significant associates comprise:

Name of entity

Principle activities

2003

2002

Interest held by the group

Canbet Limited

Village Cinemas SA (Argentina)

On-line wagering

Movie exhibitor

Vista Entertainment Solutions Limited

Ticket software systems

33%

25%

25%

32%

25%

25%

Canbet Limited is incorporated in Australia and Village Cinemas SA is incorporated in Argentina.

All entities have balance dates of 30 June with the exception of Vista Entertainment Solutions Limited, which 
has a 31 December balance date. The directors are not aware of any significant events or transactions since Vista
Entertainment Solutions Limited’s balance date.

On 11 August 2000, SKYCITY International ApS acquired 6.58% of the shares in Canbet Limited (a public company
listed on the Australia Stock Exchange). This shareholding was increased to 21.58% on 7 February 2001, and further
increased to 32.63% on 8 March 2002.

As a result of acquiring the shares in SKYCITY Leisure Limited on 20 March 2001, the SKYCITY Entertainment Group
indirectly acquired holdings in associated companies being Village Cinemas SA and Vista Entertainment Solutions Limited.

Results of associates

Share of surplus (less deficits) before income tax
Income tax

Total Recognised Revenues and Expenses

Consolidated

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

298
(52)

246

364
(20)

344

68

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

69

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

17. INVESTMENTS IN ASSOCIATES (continued)

18. JOINT VENTURES (continued)

Interests in associates

Shares at cost

Carrying value

At beginning of year
Associate disposed of during the year

Share of total recognised revenues and expenses

Goodwill on acquisition of associates

Amortisation of goodwill on acquisition of associates

Write-off of associate during the year

Foreign currency translation impact

Balance at end of year

Total Investments in Associates

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

8,854

8,854

14,452
–

246

–

(1,442)

–

(524)

12,732

21,586

8,414
(2,929)

344

13,254

(3,596)

(736)

(299)

14,452

23,306

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

As a result of adopting Financial Reporting Standard No. 38 Accounting for Investments in Associates goodwill on
acquisition of associates is now included in the carrying value of the investment in associate, previously included 
in intangible assets (refer change in accounting policy note). The 2002 figures have been restated to comply with the
new policy and show goodwill on acquisition of associates of $13,254,000.

18. JOINT VENTURES 

Hard Rock joint venture
In December 2000 the group entered into a joint venture to operate the Hard Rock Cafe in Queenstown, New Zealand.
The group has a 50% interest. The financial statements of the joint venture are unaudited. The joint venture has 
a balance date of 30 June. The Hard Rock joint venture results are not significant to the group result.

SKYCITY Leisure joint ventures
As a result of acquiring shares in SKYCITY Leisure Limited on 20 March 2001, the SKYCITY group acquired the
following indirect joint venture interests:

Interest held by the group

Name of entity

Principle activities

2003

2002

Village SKYCITY Cinemas JV

Cinema owner/operator

Village SKYCITY Hoyts Queen St Cinemas JV

Cinema owner/operator

Village SKYCITY Rialto Cinemas JV

Damodar Village SKYCITY Cinemas JV

Cinema owner/operator

Cinema owner/operator

50%

33%

25%

33%

50%

33%

25%

33%

All the above joint ventures have been audited.

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

Financial performance

The group’s operating revenues and share 
of expenses, proportionately consolidated, was:

Revenue

Expenses

33,857

(26,674)

30,807

(28,052)

Net Contribution to Group Operating Surplus

7,183

2,755

Financial position

The group’s share of assets and liabilities,
proportionately consolidated, was:

Current assets

Cash on hand

Receivables

Other

Non-current assets

Property, plant and equipment

Other

Share of total assets included in group

Liabilities

Creditors

Other

Term loans

Share of total liabilities included in group

2,282

743

239

3,264

16,541

296

16,837

20,101

2,563

415

1,130

4,108

1,948

911

135

2,994

13,577

782

14,359

17,353

1,626

892

1,207

3,725

Net Assets Employed in the Joint Venture

15,993

13,628

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

70

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

71

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

19. INTANGIBLE ASSETS 

20. ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE 

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

Separable intangible assets

Casino licence

Casino licence at beginning of year

Accumulated amortisation at beginning of year

Unamortised balance at beginning of year
Foreign currency translation

Current year amortisation

203,961

(4,806)

199,155
(932)

(2,343)

230,697

(2,669)

228,028
(26,736)

(2,137)

Unamortised balance at end of year

195,880

199,155

Rights and concessions

Rights and concessions at beginning of year

Current year amortisation

Unamortised balance at end of year

Goodwill on consolidation

Goodwill on consolidation at beginning of year

Accumulated amortisation at beginning of year

Unamortised balance at beginning of year

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of subsidiary

Goodwill adjusted for fair value adjustments

Impairment

Foreign currency translation

Current year amortisation

Unamortised balance at end of year

Other intangibles

Franchise fees at cost

Total Intangible Assets

2,250

(337)

1,913

14,071

(3,379)

10,692

–

–

–

–

(929)

9,763

2,250

–

2,250

24,635

(1,099)

23,536

8,394

(1,580)

(16,730)

(648)

(2,280)

10,692

288

287

207,844

212,384

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–
–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Casino licence
SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited acquired the Adelaide Casino licence on 30 June 2000 as a result of the
acquisition of 100% of the shares in SKYCITY Adelaide Pty Limited, through its wholly-owned subsidiary SKYCITY
Australia Pty Limited on that date. The cost of the casino licence and other assets and liabilities of SKYCITY Adelaide
Pty Limited have been determined by the directors applying fair value assessments to all assets (including the casino
licence) and liabilities acquired as part of the acquisition of SKYCITY Adelaide Pty Limited. The casino licence is being
amortised over 85 years, being the length of the licence.

Current

Trade receivables

Sundry receivables

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Other receivables
Advances to associates

Prepayments

Future income tax benefit

Income tax

Foreign currency hedge

Total Accounts Receivable

21. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS 

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

1,727

2,459

–

1,308
–

1,601

3,151

–

–

10,246

2002

$’000

2,606

1,227

–

620
314

1,053

476

13,291

383

19,970

2003

$’000

–

144

2002 

$’000 

459

–

159,067

168,469

–
–

104

–

–

–

–
–

270

–

2,674

–

159,315

171,872

Currency risk
Payments to overseas suppliers are made using the currency conversion rate as at the date of payment. The value
of such transactions has been and will continue to be at a relatively low level.

For certain more significant committed expenditure it is the group’s policy to enter into foreign exchange forward
contracts to manage the exposure to fluctuations in currency rates. Foreign exchange contracts as at 30 June 2003
were US$121,610 and AU$771,390 (2002: US$nil, AU$nil).

The currency risk and interest rate risk associated with net Australian dollar investments is partially hedged through
utilisation of cross currency interest rate swaps and interest rate swap contracts within the parameters set out in the
group treasury policy. At 30 June 2003 there was AU$75,000,000 (2002: AU$nil) of cross currency interest rate swaps
and AU$75,000,000 (2002: AU$120,000,000) of interest rate swaps.

There were no foreign exchange contracts utilised to hedge the translation risk of funds advanced to overseas
subsidiaries as at 30 June 2003 (2002: AU$15,900,000).

Interest rate risk
Short-term deposits were at call as at 30 June 2003. Deposits are held with major banking institutions.

Interest rates on borrowings are a mix of fixed and floating. As at 30 June 2003 75% (2002: 81%) of total bank
borrowings were hedged via long-term (exceeding 12 months) interest rate swap agreements with major banking
institutions.

A number of short-term (less than 12 months) interest rate swap agreements of varying maturities, with major banks,
were in place over 9% (2002: 10%) of the balance of the total borrowing.

72

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

73

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

21. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

21. FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (continued)

Fixed versus floating interest rate – bank facility
At 30 June 2003, SKYCITY group had total bank borrowings of $440,810,413 (2002: $409,240,654), structured as below:

2003

% of
Total

$’000

%
Rate

$’000

Term borrowings (exceeding 12 months)

Fixed by long-term (exceeding 12 months) interest 

rate swaps

331,700

75

7.02

331,709

Fixed by short-term (less than 12 months) interest 

rate swaps

Floating rate borrowings

Total Debt Facility

40,000

69,110

109,110

9

16

25

440,810

100

6.24

6.14

6.17

6.81

Rates shown above are inclusive of bank margin and hedging costs.

Maturities
The interest swap maturities are at various dates through to June 2013.

2002

% of 
Total

81

10

9

19

% 
Rate

7.37

7.25

6.11

6.73

7.25

42,455

35,077

77,532

409,241

100

The long term interest rate swap maturities occur between eighteen months and ten years from balance date.

Interest rate swap values – mark to market
The swaps and forward rate agreements in place as at 30 June 2003 have been valued by the group’s bankers, and 
on a mark to market basis, is a loss of $18,595,093 (2002: loss of $5,389,101).

Credit risk
Financial assets, which potentially subject the group and parent company to concentrations of credit risk, consist
principally of cash, short-term deposits, trade receivables, interest rate swaps, cross currency interest rate swaps and
foreign currency contracts. The parent company’s and group’s cash equivalents and short-term deposits are placed with
high credit quality financial institutions. Trade receivables are presented net of the allowance for estimated doubtful
receivables. Credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the relatively low value of receivables at any
given time as the nature of the business is cash-oriented. Accordingly, the directors believe the group has no significant
concentration of credit risk.

Fair values

Methods and assumptions
The following methods and assumptions were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial
instrument:

Cash at bank, bank overdraft, term deposits, loans issued, receivables and trade creditors
The carrying values of these items are equivalent to their fair value. As such, they have been excluded from
the table below.

Borrowings
Borrowings are based on discounted cash flows using the borrowing rate the directors expect would be available
to the group for debt of similar maturity at balance date.

Fair value summary

Carrying Amounts

Assets

Cash and bank

Receivable and prepayments
Receivables – related parties

Income tax

Advances to subsidiaries

Liabilities

Capital notes

Creditors and accruals

Borrowings – short-term

Borrowings – long-term

Advance from minority interests

Convertible notes

Income tax

Consolidated 

Parent Company

2003

$’000

2002

$’000

2003

$’000

2002 

$’000 

57,264

7,095
–

7,275

–

48,084

4,279
1,541

13,291

–

248
–

–

–

159,067

1

729
–

2,674

168,469

71,634

67,195

159,315

171,873

149,266

148,888

149,266

64,533

1,000

57,536

1,000

437,113

405,825

–

13,365

4,427

3,604

9,315

–

2,378

–

–

–

–

–

148,888

3,061

–

–

–

–

–

669,704

626,168

151,644

151,949

Within the above carrying amounts of financial assets and liabilities, to the extent they are not hedged, the
following values are denominated in Australian dollars:

Assets
Current assets

Liabilities
Current liabilities

17,280

10,158

19,264

11,892

The directors believe the carrying values of the financial assets and liabilities reflect the fair values of those assets 
and liabilities.

The group was party to a financial instrument in respect of a guarantee not recognised above and this is
disclosed in note 22.

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75

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)
For the year ended 30 June 2003

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS AND SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

22. CONTINGENT GAINS AND LOSSES 

STOCK EXCHANGE LISTINGS

On 2 December 2002 the Inland Revenue Department advised that it would allow the income tax credit claimed 
in relation to the Harrah’s contract termination fee. This resulted in a reduction in contingent liabilities reported as
30 June 2002 by $6,700,000 to nil.

SKYCITY Leisure Limited is one of the guarantors for a loan facility utilised by Village Cinemas SA Argentina (VCSA),
an associate company. The maximum liability and exposure at 30 June 2003 under this guarantee is US$4,000,000
(30 June 2002: US$4,000,000).

As part of the negotiations for recapitalisation of VCSA, SKYCITY Leisure Limited has granted an option to Village
Roadshow Limited for it to acquire 40% of SKYCITY Leisure’s shareholding in VCSA (10% of total shares) for US$1.00.
The option can be exercised at any time prior to the repayment of the VCSA funding facility.

23. RELATED PARTY INFORMATION 

Subsidiaries, Associates and Joint Ventures
All members of the group as listed in notes 16, 17 and 18 are considered to be related parties of the parent company
SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited.

During the year the company advanced and repaid loans and provided accounting and administrative services to its
subsidiaries, associates and joint ventures. In presenting the financial statements of the group, the effect of transactions
and balances between fellow subsidiaries and those with the parent company have been eliminated. All transactions
with related parties are in the normal course of business and provided on commercial terms.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group has entered into a Management Services Agreement with SKYCITY Leisure Limited to
provide administration and management services. The agreement commenced on 1 July 2002 and the fees received by
SKYCITY Entertainment Group for the year ended 30 June 2003 were $514,000.

Interest of Directors in Certain Transactions
Each company within the group maintains an interests register in which members of its board record all parties and
transactions in which they may have a potential or actual self-interest (refer Interests Register in the Additional
Information section of this Report). Fees were paid to First NZ Capital Group Limited (previously Credit Suisse First
Boston NZ Limited), of which W R Trotter is a director, for advisory work and were made on normal commercial terms.

24. EVENTS OCCURRING AFTER BALANCE DATE 

Provision for dividend
As disclosed in note 7 on 22 August 2003 the directors resolved to provide for a final dividend to be paid in respect of
the year ended 30 June 2003. The dividend will be paid at a value of 26 cents per share on issue as at 19 September
2003 with full imputation credits attached. The dividend will be paid on 3 October 2003.

25. EARNINGS PER SHARE

Number of ordinary shares on issue — weighted average (‘000)

Group surplus from operations per share (cents)

Consolidated

2003

2002

210,147

204,689

51.0

27.9

Earnings per share is calculated by dividing the group operating surplus after income tax and minority interests by the
weighted average of the number of ordinary shares on issue during the year.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited is listed on both the New Zealand and Australian Stock Exchanges.

SUBSIDIARY COMPANIES

The changes to subsidiary company directorships during the 12 month period ended 30 June 2003 were as follows.

On 24 July 2002, A.B. Ryan resigned as a director of Planet Hollywood (Civic Centre) Limited.

On 15 August 2002, D.R.K. Gascoigne was appointed a director of SKYCITY Leisure Limited.

On 8 November 2002, P.J. Holdaway resigned as a director of SKYCITY Leisure Limited.

On 6 June 2003, D.B. Henry was appointed a director of SKYCITY Leisure Limited.

The following people held office as directors of subsidiaries of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited as at the end of
the 2003 financial year, being 30 June 2003.

SKYCITY Auckland Holdings Limited, SKYCITY Auckland Limited, SKYCITY Casino Management Limited
Directors: E.W. Davies, J.P. Hartley, A.B. Ryan

SKYCITY Management (Auckland) Limited, Abdiel Investments Limited, SKYCITY Construction Limited,
Sky Tower Limited, SKYCITY Wellington Limited, SKYCITY International Holdings Limited, SKYCITY
International ApS, SKYCITY Investments Limited, SKYCITY Action Management Limited, Riverside Fund
Limited, Queenstown (Hard Rock) Investments Limited
Directors: E.W. Davies, A.B. Ryan

SKYCITY Australia Pty Limited, SKYCITY Adelaide Pty Limited
Directors: E.W. Davies, G.F. Hawkins, A.B. Ryan 

Queenstown Casinos Limited
Directors: E.W. Davies, P.J. Hensman, A.B. Ryan, B.C. Thomas

Riverside Casino Limited
Directors: E.W. Davies, B.S. Nabbs, S. Perry, A.B. Ryan

Riverside Casino Construction Limited
Directors: E.W. Davies, B.S. Nabbs, S. Perry, A.B. Ryan

SKYCITY Leisure Limited
Directors: M.W. Daniel, E.W. Davies, D.R.K. Gascoigne, D.B. Henry, D.I. Kennedy, A.B. Ryan 

SKYCITY Leisure Holdings Limited, SKYCITY Cinemas Limited, SKYCITY Metro Limited, Cine-Force Limited,
Ab Initio Holdings No.13 Limited, Planet Hollywood (Civic Centre) Limited
Director: P.J. Holdaway

SKYCITY Cinemas (Fiji) Limited 
Directors: D. Damodar, P.J. Holdaway

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77

DIRECTOR REMUNERATION 
30 June 2003

REMUNERATION OF DIRECTORS

DIRECTORS: INTERESTS REGISTER
30 June 2003

INTERESTS REGISTER

Remuneration paid to directors of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited during the year ended 30 June 2003 was:

Disclosure of Directors’ Interests

E.W. Davies
P.H. Elworthy
J.P. Hartley
R.H. McGeoch
P.L. Reddy
E. Toime
W.R. Trotter
B.M. Wickham

$1,058,000
$124,356
$100,000
$40,000
$50,000
$50,000
$50,000
$22,050

Evan Davies is not paid director’s fees. The amount shown next to his name represents the salary and performance
bonus paid to him as an employee of the company. The remuneration paid to Mr Davies comprised a base salary of
$700,000 plus a performance-related incentive payment of $283,250 relating to the 2001/02 year. Mr Davies’
remuneration also included a performance-related incentive payment of $74,750 which was a 25% retention from his
2000/01 remuneration. In addition, Mr. Davies became entitled to exercise 375,000 options in the company which were
issued to him in September 2001. These options, at the date of issue, had an assessed value of 82 cents per option.

In August 2003, the company resolved to pay additional remuneration of $10,000 per annum to the chairpersons of the
Audit and Risk Committee and the Governance and Remuneration Committee, effective from 1 July 2003 for the chair
of the Governance and Remuneration Committee and from the date when the Audit and Risk Committee is reconvened
as a committee of the board rather than as is currently the case (September 2003) where all directors comprise 
the committee.

Remuneration paid to directors, or former directors, of SKYCITY Leisure Limited during the year ended 30 June 2003
was:

M.W. Daniel
P.J. Holdaway  
D.B. Henry
D.R.K. Gascoigne

$25,000
$118,098
$1,712
$39,545

Peter Holdaway resigned as a director of SKYCITY Leisure Limited on 8 November 2002. Mr Holdaway  was not paid
director’s fees. The amount shown next to his name represents the total of the remuneration and the value of other
benefits paid to him as an employee of SKYCITY Leisure Limited.

Remuneration paid to directors of Queenstown Casinos Limited during the year ended 30 June 2003 was:

E.W. Davies
P.J. Hensman
A.B. Ryan
B.C. Thomas

$7,500
$7,500
$7,500
$7,500

Director fees for E.W. Davies and A.B. Ryan were paid to SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited and were not received
personally by Messrs Davies or Ryan.

Apart from the amounts listed above, no remuneration is received by the directors of the SKYCITY subsidiary companies
in their capacity as directors of those companies.

No director of the group or parent company has, since the end of the financial year, received or become entitled to
receive a benefit other than director’s fees and committee chairperson’s fees for the 2003/04 financial year or for the
reimbursement of expenses incurred in relation to company matters, or as disclosed elsewhere in this Annual Report.

Section 140(1) of the Companies Act 1993 requires a director of a company to disclose certain interests. Under
subsection (2) a director can make disclosure by giving a general notice in writing to the company of a position held by
a director in another named company or entity. The following are particulars as entered in the SKYCITY Interests Register
as at 30 June 2003 with the notices given by directors during the period ended 30 June 2003 marked with an asterisk.

Director

E.W. Davies

J.P. Hartley

P.L. Reddy

R.H. McGeoch

Other Company

Melanesian Mission Trust

Bluestone Mortgages Limited*
Infinity Group Limited and certain subsidiaries
Pacific Road Corporate Finance*
RMB Ventures Limited and various investee companies*
TeleTech Holdings Limited*
The Great New Zealand Business Venture Limited
Trango Capital Limited
Vista Entertainment Limited*

Active Equities Limited
Infinity Group Limited
MobilefoneRepair.com Limited
Securefresh Pacific Limited
SKYCITY Auckland Community Trust
TeamTalk Limited
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited
The New Zealand International Festival of the Arts*
Vista Entertainment Solutions Limited

Aon Risk Services Limited*
Australian Growth Properties Limited*
Australian Pacific Airports Corporation Limited*
Corrs Chambers Westgarth, Solicitors*

Relationship

Trustee

Director
Director and Shareholder
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
Advisory Board Member
Director
Director and Shareholder
Director

Director and Shareholder
Director
Associated Person of Shareholder
Associated Person of Shareholder
Trustee
Associated Person of Shareholder
Director
Trustee
Associated Person of Shareholder

Member NSW Board of Advice
Chairman
Deputy Chairman
Consultant and Chairman 
Emeritus of the firm

Pacific Healthcare Australia Limited*
Ramsay Health Care Limited*
Saatchi & Saatchi Trans Tasman Advisory Board*
Frontiers Group Australasia Limited*
Frontiers Group Limited*
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Limited*
Telecom Corporation of New Zealand Australia Limited*

Chairman
Director
Chairman
Chairman
Director
Director
Chairman

E. Toime

W.R. Trotter

Royal Mail Holdings PLC*
Royal Mail Group PLC* 
Post Office Limited*

Executive Deputy Chairman
Director
Director

First NZ Capital Group Limited and certain subsidiaries
New Zealand Exchange Limited
NZX Funds Management Limited*

Director
Director
Director

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79

DIRECTORS: INTERESTS REGISTER AND SHARE TRANSACTIONS
30 June 2003

DIRECTOR SHARES, OPTIONS AND CAPITAL NOTES, AND EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION
30 June 2003

INTERESTS REGISTER (continued)

INTERESTS REGISTER (continued)

Disclosure of Directors’ Interests (continued)

The following details included in the Interests Register as at 30 June 2002, or entered during the year ended 
30 June 2003, have been removed during the year ended 30 June 2003.

E.W. Davies is no longer a director of the Tourism Industry Association of New Zealand.

J.P. Hartley is no longer a director of Vertex Group Holdings Limited and certain subsidiaries.

R.H. McGeoch is no longer an advisor to Collette Dinnignan Pty Limited.

E. Toime is no longer a director of Datacom Group Limited, Datacom Investments Pty Limited, New Zealand Post
Limited and subsidiaries, NRMA Insurance Limited or the State Sector Standards Board.

Disclosure of Directors’ Interests in Share Transactions

Directors disclosed, pursuant to section 148 of the Companies Act 1993 and Rule 10.5.3 of the Listing Rules of the NZX,
the following acquisitions and disposals of relevant interests in SKYCITY shares during the period to 30 June 2003.

Director

E W Davies

P H Elworthy

J P Hartley

P L Reddy

E Toime

W R Trotter

B M Wickham

Date of Acquisition/
Disposal during Period
to 30/6/03

Consideration

Shares Acquired
(Disposed of)

4 October 2002(1)(2)
30 April 2003(1)

18 September 2002(3)
18 September 2002(3)
4 October 2002(2)

4 October 2002(2)(4)

6 September 2002(3)
4 October 2002(2)(4)

9 September 2002(3)
4 October 2002(2)

6 September 2002(3)
4 October 2002(2)(4)

4 October 2002(2)

$92,475.80
$830,006.00

$149,266.80
$153,168.00
$5,668.59

$17,776.86

$149,144.85
$15,282.96

$149,266.80
$11,455.27

$149,144.85
$59,777.21

$6,745.34

13,312
(100,000)

24,390
(21,190)
816

2,559

24,390
2,200

24,390
1,649

24,390
8,605

971

(1)
(2)
(3)

The transactions shown relate to shares held by a trust of which Mr Davies is a discretionary beneficiary.
The transactions shown relate to the issue of shares in lieu of dividends pursuant to the SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Dividend Reinvestment Plan.
The transactions shown relate to the exercise of options granted to directors pursuant to the Non-Executive Director Share Option Plan approved by shareholder
at the Annual Meeting of the company held on 26 October 2000.

(4)

The transactions shown relate to shares held by separate trusts of which Mr Hartley, Ms Reddy or Mr Trotter are trustees and discretionary beneficiaries.

Disclosure of Directors’ Interests in Shares, Options and Capital Notes

Directors disclosed, pursuant to Rule 10.5.3 of the Listing Rules of the NZX, the following relevant interests in SKYCITY
shares, options and capital notes during the period to 30 June 2003.

Director

Beneficially 
Held

E.W. Davies
J.P. Hartley
R.H. McGeoch
P.L. Reddy
E. Toime
W.R. Trotter

324,346
81,592
-
70,132
52,553
328,334

Shares
Non-
Beneficially
Held

Held By
Associated
Person

-
-
-
2,665
-
-

9,827
-
-
-
4,240
-

W.R. Trotter is a trustee of a trust holding 200,000 capital notes.

Beneficially
Held

3,177,640
66,319
20,964
20,964
20,964
20,964

Options
Non-
Beneficially
Held

-
-
-
-
-
-

Held By
Associated
Person

193,000
-
-
-
-
-

Options issued to Mr. Davies are issued pursuant to the Executive Share Option Plan (1999 Executive Plan) approved by
shareholders at the Annual Meeting of the company held on 28 October 1999 and the Managing Director Share Option
Plan (Managing Director Plan) approved by shareholders at the Annual Meeting of the company held on 30 October 2002.

Options issued to associated persons of Mr. Davies are issued pursuant to the 1999 Executive Plan and the Executive
Share Option Plan approved by the board of the company in 2002 (2002 Executive Plan).

Options issued to the non-executive directors are issued pursuant to the Non-Executive Director Share Option Plan (Non-
Executive Director Plan) approved by shareholders at the Annual Meeting of the company held on 26 October 2000.

Options issued under the 1999 Executive Plan and the Non-Executive Director Plan are exercisable one year after the
date of issue, at the exercise price determined pursuant to the Plans, and lapse if they are not exercised within five
years of the date of issue.

Options issued under the Managing Director Plan and the 2002 Executive Plan are exercisable three years after the
date of issue, except that some options issued under the 2002 Executive Plan may be exercised after one year from
date of issue under special circumstances as described in the Plan, at the exercise price determined pursuant to the
Plans and lapse if not exercised within five years of the date of issue.

EMPLOYEE REMUNERATION

The numbers of employees or former employees of the company and its subsidiaries, not being directors of the
company who received remuneration and other benefits in their capacity as employees, the value of which was in
excess of $100,000 during the financial year ended 30 June 2003, are listed below.

Number of Employees

Number of Employees

Remuneration

Group

Parent 
Company

Remuneration

Group

Parent
Company

$100,000 - $109,999
$110,000 - $119,999
$120,000 - $129,999
$130,000 - $139,999
$140,000 - $149,999
$150,000 - $159,999
$160,000 - $169,999
$170,000 - $179,999
$190,000 - $199,999
$200,000 - $209,999
$210,000 - $219,999
$220,000 - $229,999

14
10
13
4
2
7
4
5
2
2
1
1

$230,000 - $239,999
$240,000 - $249,999
$260,000 - $269,999
$270,000 - $279,999
$280,000 - $289,999
$290,000 - $299,999
$300,000 - $309,999
$330,000 - $339,999
$370,000 - $379,999
$410,000 - $419,999
$480,000 - $489,999

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1

-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-

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81

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

SHARE REGISTER INFORMATION

DONATIONS

Twenty Largest Shareholders as at 22 August 2003

Donations are referred to in Note 3 of the financial statements.

WAIVERS FROM THE NEW ZEALAND EXCHANGE (NZX) LISTING RULES

The following waivers from the NZX Listing Rules were effective as at balance date.

As part of the Non-Executive Director Share Option Plan, approved by shareholders at the 2000 Annual Meeting, the
NZX granted a waiver from compliance with Listing Rule 7.3.2 enabling the issue of options to be made to each non-
executive director under the Plan in the financial year ending on 30 June 2003, being more than six months after the
date on which the resolution approving the issue was passed.

On 29 August 2001, the NZX granted a waiver from compliance with Listing Rule 7.3.6 in respect of the participation
by Ms. H.R. Shotter in the company’s Performance Pay Incentive Plan (PPI) and the 1999 Executive Share Option Plan.
Under the PPI, salaried employees of the company and its subsidiaries are entitled to bonuses, payable in cash and
shares, if relevant financial and personal performance targets are met. Ms. Shotter is married to Mr. Davies, the
Managing Director of the company. Accordingly, in the absence of the waiver, issues of shares under the PPI and
options under the Executive Share Option Plan would have required shareholder approval. The NZX granted the waiver
on the condition that Ms. Shotter’s participation in the PPI and the Executive Share Option Plan is determined by an
independent committee of the board of directors of the company, and that Mr. Davies does not participate in
determining the benefits provided to Ms. Shotter.

In addition, on 5 September 2002, the NZX granted waivers from compliance with Listing Rule 7.3.6 in respect of the
participation by Ms. Shotter in the company’s renewed Performance Pay Incentive Plan (2002 PPI) and the renewed
executive share option plan (2002 Option Plan). As the terms of the 2002 PPI and the 2002 Option Plan are
substantially the same as the previous PPI and Executive Share Option Plan, in the absence of the waivers, issues of
shares under the 2002 PPI and options under the 2002 Option Plan would require shareholder approval. The NZX
granted the waivers on the condition that Ms. Shotter’s participation in the 2002 PPI and the 2002 Option Plan is
determined by an independent committee, and that Mr. Davies does not participate in determining the benefits
provided to Ms. Shotter.

The effect of all other waivers granted had ceased as at balance date.

EVENTS SUBSEQUENT TO BALANCE DATE

The directors are not aware of any matter or circumstance since the end of the financial year, not otherwise dealt with
in this Report, that has significantly or may significantly affect the operations of SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited
or any of its subsidiary companies.

Colonial First State Investment Managers
Maple Brown Abbott
Capital Group
AMP Henderson Global Investors
Tower Asset Management
Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Accident Compensation Corporation
Liberty Wagner Asset Management
ING Investment Management
Guardian Trust Funds Management
Tower Trust
State Street Global Advisors
AXA Group
BT Funds Management
Bank of New Zealand Structured Finance
Queensland Investment Corporation
Barclays Global Investors
Legal & General Investment Management
Lloyd George Management
Commerical General Norwich Union Group

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

Total

Number of
shares

32,362,674
9,883,904
9,824,600
7,512,727
5,200,124
4,186,222
4,136,926
3,680,000
3,638,123
2,952,680
2,833,658
2,806,596
2,727,043
2,598,966
2,100,000
2,000,000
1,743,758
1,267,905
1,262,553
1,165,923

103,884,382

% of issued
shares

15.40%
4.70%
4.68%
3.58%
2.47%
1.99%
1.97%
1.75%
1.73%
1.41%
1.35%
1.34%
1.30%
1.24%
1.00%
0.95%
0.83%
0.60%
0.60%
0.55%

49.44%

The analysis as set out above has been compiled based upon information provided by Computershare Analytics 
Pty Limited.

The total number of shares on issue as at 22 August 2003 was 210,135,588.

Distribution of Ordinary Shares and Registered Shareholdings as at 22 August 2003

Size of holding

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
over 100,000

Total

Number of
shareholders

6,380
11,301
2,194
1,243
57

21,175

Number of
shares

4,443,904
26,552,494
16,180,916
26,789,465
136,168,809

210,135,588

As at 22 August 2003 there were 226 holdings of less than 64 shares, being the minimum marketable parcel of shares
under ASX Listing Rules. The ASX Listing Rules define the minimum parcel as having a value of A$500. The calculation
of the minimum parcel of 64 shares is based on an exchange rate of A$0.8961 and a SKYCITY share price of NZ$8.78.

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83

CAPITAL NOTEHOLDER INFORMATION

SHAREHOLDER AND OPTION HOLDER INFORMATION

Substantial Security Holders

As at 27 November 2002, Commonwealth Bank Group (Colonial First State Investment Managers) gave notice in
accordance with the New Zealand Securities Amendment Act 1988, that it was a substantial security holder in the
company and had a relevant interest in 32,620,863 ordinary shares in the company.

Option Holders

As at 22 August 2003 there were:
• 1,282,110 Options, issued under the Executive Share Option Plan which was approved by shareholders at the Annual

Meeting of the company held on 28 October 1999, held by 18 holders. These options have no voting rights but
entitle the holder to two shares on the exercise of each option

• 150,175 Options, issued under the Non-Executive Director Share Option Plan approved by shareholders at the Annual
Meeting of the company held on 26 October 2000, held by 5 holders. These options have no voting rights but 24,900
of the options entitle the holder to two shares on exercise of the option and the balance entitle the holder to one
share on exercise of the option

• 2,338,530 Options, issued under the Managing Director Share Option Plan approved by shareholders at the Annual
Meeting of the company held on 30 October 2002, held by one holder. These options have no voting rights but
entitle the holder to one share on the exercise of the option

• 1,777,500 Options, issued under the Executive Share Option Plan approved by directors of the company in 

August 2002, held by 31 holders. The options have no voting rights but entitle the holder to one share on the
exercise of the option.

Twenty Largest Capital Noteholders as at 22 August 2003

Number of
capital notes

% of issued
capital notes

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20

New Zealand Central Securities Depository Limited
Custodial Nominees Limited
Investment Custodial Services Limited
Custodial Services Limited Account No.3
First NZ Capital Custodians Limited
N Z Airline Pilots Mutual Benefit Fund – Air Traffic Controllers
J.R. Avery, P.G. Inger and J.A. Inger
Cogent Nominees Limited
Adam Consultants and Administrators Wellington Limited
Knox Home Trust Board Inc.
Maori Education Trust
ASB Nominees Limited
Custodial Services Limited Account No.2
S.M. Auton and R.J. Auton
C.A. Carran and P.A. Carran
J.A. Hood and E.A. Hood and C.R. Darlow
J.R. Matthews, R.J. Matthews and B.R. Perkins
Sargood Bequest Nominee Limited
A.G. Smart
G.A. Walker and E.K. Walker

6,417,000
1,686,000
1,590,000
952,000
634,000
600,000
500,000
500,000
400,000
400,000
400,000
350,000
308,000
300,000
300,000
300,000
300,000
300,000
300,000
300,000

4.28%
1.12%
1.06%
0.63%
0.42%
0.40%
0.33%
0.33%
0.27%
0.27%
0.27%
0.23%
0.21%
0.20%
0.20%
0.20%
0.20%
0.20%
0.20%
0.20%

Total

16,837,000

11.22%

As at 22 August 2003, 150 million SKYCITY Capital Notes (each Capital Note having an issue value of $1.00) were on
issue. The Capital Notes have a maturity date of 15 May 2005.

Distribution of Capital Note holdings as at 22 August 2003

Size of holding

1 – 1,000
1,001 – 5,000
5,001 – 10,000
10,001 – 100,000
over 100,000

Total

Number of
noteholders

Number of
capital notes

-
676
1,310
3,286
107

5,379

-
3,377,000
12,247,250
103,338,750
31,037,000

150,000,000

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85

LIMITATIONS ON SHARES

LIMITATIONS ON SHARES AND OTHER DISCLOSURES

Limitations on Acquisition of Ordinary Shares

Transfer of shares (other than to an Associated Casino Person) (continued)

The company’s constitution contains various provisions which were included in it to take into account the application of:
• the Casino Control Act 1990 of New Zealand
• the Casino Act 1997 of South Australia, and
• the legislation providing for the establishment, operation and regulation of casinos in any other jurisdiction in which

SKYCITY or any of its subsidiaries may hold a casino licence

to SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited and any of its subsidiaries

SKYCITY needs to ensure, when it participates in gaming activities:
• that it has the power under its constitution to take such action as may be necessary to ensure that its suitability 

to do so in a particular jurisdiction is not affected by the identity or actions (including share dealings) of a
shareholder; and

• that there are appropriate protections to ensure that persons do not gain positions of significant influence or control
over SKYCITY or its business activities without obtaining any necessary statutory or regulatory approvals in those
jurisdictions.

Accordingly, the constitution contains the following provisions restricting the acquisition of shares in the company to
achieve this.

Transfer of shares to an Associated Casino Person

Clause 12.11 of the company’s constitution provides that a transfer of shares to an Associated Casino Person (as
defined in the constitution) of a casino licence holder can not take place until the transfer has been approved by the
relevant regulatory authority. However, the clause will not apply if, as a result of the transfer, the number of shares held
by the transferee or any person associated with it, remains below the level of shareholding (if any) which each
regulatory authority has approved for that transferee and any person associated with it.

If a transfer takes place in breach of clause 12.11, then the transferee, and the persons associated with it, are
prevented from exercising votes in respect of the Affected Shares (as defined in the constitution) and their entitlement
to a share in the profits of SKYCITY in respect of their respective Affected Shares (whether by way of dividend or other
distribution) is suspended until such time as all approvals which needed to be obtained from the regulatory authorities
to the increase in the total number of shares held by the transferee, and the persons associated with it, as a result of
the transfer have been obtained.

If a regulatory authority does not approve an increase in the number of shares held by the transferee, and the persons
associated with it, SKYCITY may sell the shares which were acquired by the transferee under the relevant transfer or
such other number of shares as may be required.

The power of sale can only be exercised if SKYCITY has given one month’s notice to the transferee of its intention to
exercise that power and the transferee has not, in that one month period, transferred the requisite number of shares
in SKYCITY to a person who is not associated with the transferee.

Transfer of shares (other than to an Associated Casino Person)

Clause 12.12 of the constitution provides that if a transfer of shares results in the transferee, and the persons
associated with that transferee,
• Holding more than 5% of the shares in SKYCITY; or
• Increasing their combined holding further beyond 5% if:

–  they already hold more than 5% of the shares in SKYCITY; and
–  the transferee has not been approved by the relevant regulatory authority as an Associated Casino Person of any

casino licence holder;

then the votes attaching to all shares held by the transferee, and the persons associated with it, are suspended unless
and until either:

• each regulatory authority advises that approval is not needed;
•  any regulatory authority which determines that its approval is required approves the transferee, together with 

the persons associated with it, as an Associated Casino Person of any applicable casino licence holder;

• the board of the company is satisfied that registration of the proposed transfer will not prejudice any casino 

licence; or

• the transferee, and the persons associated with it, disposes of such number of SKYCITY’s shares as will result in their
combined holding falling below 5% or, if the regulatory authorities approve in respect of the transferee, and the
persons associated with it, a higher percentage, the lowest such percentage approved by the regulatory authorities.

If a regulatory authority does not grant its approval to the proposed transfer, SKYCITY may sell such number of the
shares held by the transferee, and by any persons associated with it, as may be necessary to reduce their combined
shareholding to a level that will not result in the transferee, and the persons associated with it, being an Associated
Casino Person of that casino licence holder.

The power of sale can only be exercised if SKYCITY has given one month’s notice to the transferee of its intention to
exercise that power and the transferee has not, in that one-month period, transferred the requisite number of shares
in SKYCITY to a person who is not associated with the transferee.

Other Legislation/Requirements

General limitations on the acquisition of the securities imposed by the jurisdiction in which SKYCITY is incorporated
(i.e. New Zealand law) are as below.

Other than the provisions noted above the only significant restrictions or limitations in relation to the acquisition of
securities are those imposed by New Zealand laws relating to takeovers, overseas investment and competition.

The New Zealand Takeovers Code creates a general rule under which the acquisition of more than 20% of the voting
rights in SKYCITY, or the increase of an existing holding of 20% or more of the voting rights in SKYCITY, can only occur
in certain permitted ways. These include a full takeover offer in accordance with the Takeovers Code, a partial takeover
offer in accordance with the Takeovers Code, an acquisition approved by an ordinary resolution, an allotment approved
by an ordinary resolution, a creeping acquisition (in certain circumstances) or compulsory acquisition if a shareholder
holds 90% or more of the shares in the company.

The New Zealand Overseas Investment Act 1973 and the Overseas Investment Regulations 1995 regulate certain
investments in New Zealand by overseas persons. In general terms, the consent of the New Zealand Overseas
Investment Commission is likely to be required when an “overseas person” acquires shares or an interest in shares in
SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited that amount to more than 25% of the shares issued by the company, or if the
overseas person already holds 25% or more, the acquisition increases that holding.

The New Zealand Commerce Act 1986 is likely to prevent a person from acquiring shares in SKYCITY if the acquisition
would have, or would be likely to have, the effect of substantially lessening competition in a market.

OTHER REQUIRED DISCLOSURES

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited has no securities subject to an escrow arrangement.

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited is incorporated in New Zealand and is not subject to Chapters 6, 6A, 6B and 6C
of the Corporations Act (Australia).

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited currently has in place an on market buy-back arrangement.

There are no material differences between the ASX Appendix 4E issued by SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited for
30 June 2003 and this Annual Report.

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87

DIRECTORY

REGISTERED OFFICE

SHARE REGISTRARS

AUDITOR

PricewaterhouseCoopers
188 Quay Street
Auckland City
Private Bag 92162
Auckland

BANKERS

ANZ Banking Group (New
Zealand) Limited

ASB Bank Limited

Bank of New Zealand Limited

The Hongkong and Shanghai
Banking Corporation Limited

CAPITAL NOTES TRUSTEE

The New Zealand Guardian Trust
Company Limited
48 Shortland Street
PO Box 1934
Auckland

Telephone +64 9 379 3630
Facsimile +64 9 377 7477

SKYCITY Entertainment 
Group Limited
Level 6
Federal House
86 Federal Street
PO Box 6443
Wellesley Street
Auckland
New Zealand

Telephone +64 9 363 6141
Facsimile +64 9 363 6140
e-mail  sceginfo@skycity.co.nz

SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited’s
Registered Office in Australia 

Finlaysons
81 Flinders Street
GPO Box 1244
Adelaide 
South Australia

Telephone +61 8 8235 7400
Facsimile +61 8 8232 2944

New Zealand 
Computershare Investor Services
Limited
Level 2
159 Hurstmere Road
Takapuna
Auckland
Private Bag 92119
Auckland

Telephone +64 9 488 8700
Facsimile +64 9 488 8787

Australia
Computershare Investor Services
Pty Limited
Level 3
60 Carrington Street
Sydney NSW 2000
GPO Box 7045
Sydney NSW 1115

Telephone +61 2 8234 5000
Facsimile +61 2 8234 5050

SOLICITORS

Bell Gully Buddle Weir
H P Tower
171 Featherston Street
PO Box 1291
Wellington

Minter Ellison Rudd Watts
BNZ Tower
125 Queen Street
PO Box 3798
Auckland

Finlaysons
81 Flinders Street
GPO Box 1244
Adelaide 
South Australia

For shareholder and corporate enquiries please phone +64 9 363 6141 or fax +64 9 363 6140 or 
e-mail sceginfo@skycity.co.nz

For customer enquiries and reservations please phone +64 9 363 6000 or 0800 SKYCITY (0800 759 2489) 
or fax +64 9 363 6010 or e-mail reservations@skycity.co.nz

SKYCITY web site: www.skycitygroup.co.nz

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SKYCITY Entertainment Group Limited Annual Report 2003

This report is printed using vegetable based inks on chlorine free bleached paper, sourced from a renewable forest.