Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Regulatory News (MLC)

For immediate release                                                                                    1 March 2011

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc ("M&C")

New Zealand Earthquake - Update

 The following announcement was released earlier today by M&C's subsidiary, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Limited ("MCHNZ"), which is listed on the New Zealand Stock Exchange.  M&C has a 70.2% interest in MCHNZ.

Enquiries:

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc                                              Tel:  +44 (0) 20 7872 2444

Adrian Bushnell, Company Secretary

Peter Krijgsman, Financial Communications                         

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand (NZX: MCK) provides the following update in respect of the earthquake affecting the Canterbury Region on 22 February 2011:

MCK had been advised that Christchurch City Council has completed a preliminary inspection of its Christchurch hotels.

Ø Millennium Hotel Christchurch: Has been cleared for re-entry once the cordons are lifted;

Ø Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Central: Has been issued with a Restricted Use Notice.  A more detailed structural inspection is required;

Ø Copthorne Hotel Christchurch City (formerly known as Copthorne Hotel Christchurch Durham Street):  Currently deemed unsafe for occupation.  Contrary to reports, Council has not issued a demolition notice for the building.

MCK's Managing Director Mr. B K Chiu said that more detailed inspections by structural engineers and insurance assessors would need to be undertaken when safe in order to determine the extent of the work needed to be done to restore the Company's Christchurch business.  

"With much of the Christchurch CBD cordoned off and closed and given the number of buildings affected together with the pressure on resources generally, these detailed assessments are going to take some time to complete", he said.

Guests with current reservations for MCK's Christchurch hotels who wish to check or amend their booking should call 0800 808 228 (+64 9 309 4411) or email central.res@millenniumhotels.co.nz for further updates and information. 

MCK will continue to provide updates to the market as required. 

ENDS

Issued by Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Ltd

Any inquiries please contact:

B K Chiu, Managing Director                  

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels New Zealand Ltd

(09) 913 8058