Buzzing with talent: Te Pae General Manager Ross Steele

As a relative newcomer to Ōtautahi Christchurch, having lived here five years, I have quickly developed a deep appreciation for the city, and all it has to offer.

I am continually amazed by the remarkable achievements of Christchurch businesses on the global stage. From companies developing cutting-edge medical implants for surgeons worldwide to virtual and augmented reality specialists revolutionising how businesses captivate audiences, our city is home to some incredible talent.

I recently experienced a pang of envy when my wife toured Auto Restorations, a standout Christchurch business specialising in classic car restorations. Their expertise is so exceptional that they have earned over 16 prestigious awards at the Concours d’Elegance, among numerous other accolades. It’s a prime example of world-leading work, happening right here in our city.

In the top 300 cities globally for our successful innovation ecosystem, it was fantastic to see Christchurch showcasing its thriving tech sector during Innovate Ōtautahi, held in September. This was a week of inspiration and connection for entrepreneurs, techies, aerospace changemakers, and digital disruptors. Te Pae Christchurch proudly hosted three leading innovation events which attracted thousands of tech enthusiasts, including the New Zealand Aerospace Summit, Canterbury Tech Summit, and the Innovation Expo.

I am privileged to witness transformative organisations who are shaping the future. At nearly every conference we host, there’s an exhibition component where organisations showcase their products. Seeing our local businesses shine in these environments fills me with immense pride. Convention centres like Te Pae Christchurch play a crucial role in connecting industry leaders with pioneering businesses, facilitating future advancements, and celebrating our homegrown talent.