In a relatively pandemic-free New Zealand, the start of the summer holidays has seen TEEG’s new NZ$3m ($1.96m) Timezone venue opened at Newmarket, Auckland. TEEG (The Entertainment and Education Group) now has four venues in the country opened in just one year and has another four on schedule for the remainder of 2020. It was a grand opening for the Newmarket location with characters Pikachu and Buzz Lightyear mixing with specially invited star guests, including New Zealand cricketer Martin Guptill, TV presenter Toni Street and Stacey Morrison, TV host. The two-storey, 1,200sq.m location is on the corner of the popular Broadway Street in Newmarket and its mix of classic arcade games and new VR units, laser tag and New Zealand’s first Spin Zone bumper cars, was an instant hit with locals.

Belinda Falzon, New Zealand chief operations officer for TEEG, said: “It has been a hard few months for kiwi families and by providing a safe and exciting entertainment hub for kids, we know Timezone is gong to be a place where families can, one again, create long-lasting memories together. “We know we will see the same enthusiastic welcome when we start opening more venues around the country this year, at Palmerston North, Christchurch, Napier and Dunedin.” TEEG, headed by group CEO Sonaal Chopra, has introduced a range of customer-popular features to its operation, including a loyalty programme and birthday parties. (2020/08/17)