The Influencers

Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city that will always feel like home. Twenty-five years ago, I left the UK expecting to be away for a short time. Instead, Ōtautahi Christchurch became home. That’s one reason why deciding to leave has been so difficult. The opportunity to join the University of Nottingham as Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Global […]

Canterbury is the country’s property powerhouse, holding its ground on both pricing and speed to sell. Trade Me Property figures across the winter period show the wider region is flat, but the annual picture is where Canterbury and Christchurch shine. Canterbury asking prices are up 3% year-on-year, outperforming the 2% national average. Christchurch […]

Forewarned is forearmed; be prepared for a hotter summer with the upcoming El Niño. And just like that, another winter has come to an end. August was pretty tough on the weather front but certainly highlighted what a sensible decision it was to put a roof on our Stadium. Crowds have been turning […]

We can protect our city from the increasing effects of climate breakdown if we take action now. This year, the effects of climate breakdown are really making climate change more tangible around the globe. We’ve been watching Western Europe experience its biggest heatwave in recorded history, resulting in 20,000 deaths, massive wildfires, droughts […]

Historic red and black pride for Canterbury Rugby has a new place to call gather and call home. Last weekend’s Canterbury Rugby housewarming against Auckland felt like more than a first match in our new home. With Shapeshifter electrifying the occasion and red and black pulsing through the city, Canterbury Rugby brought something […]

The strength of Canterbury’s local food ecosystem is reflected in the region’s recent Michelin success. One of the great privileges of living in Canterbury is access to an extraordinary network of growers, farmers, fishers and artisan producers. From the foothills and plains to the coastline and vineyards, our region produces ingredients recognised not […]

Canterbury architecture has helped shaped Christchurch’s identity, future and quality of life. Architecture has always played a defining role in Christchurch’s identity. Since the earthquakes, Ōtautahi has become a place where bold ideas, resilience and creativity have shaped not only new buildings, but the way we live, work and connect. That’s why the […]

Giving a big welcome to the new cohort of international students choosing Christchurch. One of the best parts of my job as Mayor is getting the chance to welcome newcomers to this fantastic city of ours. Christchurch is resilient, diverse and has a strong sense of community so it’s vital that when people […]

Why a vibrant, energised city matters for Christchurch’s economy. Christchurch has felt more alive over the past few months. Packed sporting events and concerts, bustling streets, and a growing feeling that Ōtautahi is the place to be. That vibrancy is critical to how the city grows. Cities succeed because people choose to live, […]

New sister city Shenzhen shares priorities of sustainable development and economic growth. This past month, I had the privilege of leading a delegation to China, focused on strengthening relationships, exploring innovation, and identifying opportunities to deliver real benefits for Christchurch. Our visit began in Qingdao, where we discussed shared priorities around sustainable development, […]