Meridian comment on media reports about NZAS

Meridian has noted media reports that have suggested a further decision on the future of the Tiwai point aluminium smelter will be announced to its staff in the next 4-6 weeks. Meridian has no knowledge in relation to any such announcement. As has been widely reported, Meridian has put a confidential proposal to NZAS with the objective of allowing NZAS to close down the smelter over a longer period of time - Meridian has proposed up to four years. To date that proposal has not been accepted and Meridian's current expectation is that the smelter will close on 31 August 2021 as previously announced by NZAS. End CA:00357659 For:MEL Type:GENERAL Time:2020-08-10 08:31:27