Australia/NZ Supplement March/April 2022 | Page 33

Christchurch , NZ

Christchurch looks to the future

he city of Õtautahi Christchurch in New Zealand ’ s South Island has witnessed significant change over the last decade . The result is a destination not only aesthetically and architecturally beautiful , but also rebuilt with care for the environment and rich in accommodation , experience , dining and venue offerings .
Christchurch is emerging as the business events capital of New Zealand , says ChristchurchNZ ’ s head of business events , Megan Crum .
“ Throughout this time , including during the Covid-19 pandemic , we have remained nimble , adapting our plans and strategy as required , focusing on domestic events in the short term , while still connecting with clients as much as we can .
NZ Maori cultural welcome
“ We are continually heartened by the positive response we receive about Christchurch as a destination . Organisers and their clients are wanting to visit , to see what ’ s new .
“ The team at ChristchurchNZ Convention Bureau together with our community of business partners have a positive focus and are gearing up for international travel to return later in the year , and working on longer-term pipeline business . We are excited about hosting New Zealand ’ s flagship trade exhibition MEETINGS here , 15-16 June , in Õtautahi Christchurch .
Great Journeys of NZ : Tranz Alpine
“ This is a huge opportunity for our city and to showcase the new Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre , New Zealand ’ s only new-generation convention centre .
“ Christchurch is a resilient city and our business event visitors can take advantage of our open-air spaces right in the CBD .
“ Christchurch is a city focused on the future , and looking ahead , sustainable events will be a top priority .
“ We work alongside Tourism New Zealand , and our three major tertiary institutions , Crown Research Institutes
and health precinct to identify and bid for business events where we have exceptional knowledge and strength , competitive advantage , or future opportunity for the city ,” Crum says .
Õtautahi Christchurch is set to host the ICC Women ’ s Cricket World Cup 2022 final on 3 April .
SailGP will bring adrenalinefilled yacht racing to Christchurch ’ s Whakaraupõ Lyttelton Harbour for two events over the next four years . The first New Zealand Sail Grand Prix will take place in Christchurch in 2023 , before alternating between Auckland and Christchurch in subsequent seasons .
The two events are estimated to bring more than 11,500 visitors to Christchurch with a global broadcast audience of 40m people .
Christchurch has won the rights to host the world ’ s largest regional seed association congress , in November 2023 at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre .
The Asia and Pacific Seed Association ( APSA ) Asian Seed Congress is expected to attract up to 1,000 delegates , including 900 international ones .
The Economic Development New Zealand Conference is
scheduled for Christchurch in October 2022 , with 300 delegates and a demonstration of the city ’ s strong medical sector will be the 800-delegate Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners GP22 : Conference for General Practice in July .
Further out , Christchurch has been successful in a bid for an Australasian education conference , expected to attract over 350 delegates from around the Asia Pacific region in November 2023 .
In all , Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre reports 50 large conferences and another 100 exhibitions and events already booked for this year .
Te Pae Christchurch
Christchurch has several new hotel openings , the award-winning Town Hall venue , plus many new hospitality options . The Parakiore metro sports complex opens later next year , and the 30,000 seat Canterbury multi-use covered arena is coming in 2025 .