The Influencers: Joanna Norris

The latest retail data shows Christchurch tentatively returned to pre-COVID-19 spending levels. This is welcome news for our recovering economy, but it is sustained growth which we continue to work towards, as we know the sugar rush of post-lockdown spending may not last. Retail spending in Christchurch increased by 4 percent during […]

The Influencers: Scott Thelning

In challenging times it is often the things that bring us a sense of comfort, stability and normality that we fall back to support and guide us through the ups and downs. For me it was getting back into my early morning gym routine, on my bike in the Port Hills, and […]

The Influencers: Antonia Riordan

  A sense of loss of control is a product of the prevailing times and can concern both our personal and professional lives, but we can take back that control and, while it might seem a tall order, the long-term gains of good wellbeing far outstrip feeling less than our best selves. […]

The Influencers: Marian Johnson

In case readers aren’t aware, Ministry of Awesome enables and supports high growth entrepreneurship and innovation in Christchurch and, increasingly, across New Zealand. Why is this important? Because our city, our country and the world are undergoing a massive period of transition, stemming from the rapid uptake of technology, globalisation and the […]

John Bridgman

The Influencers: John Bridgman

It seems the recent extended stay within the confines of our own homes has led many people to consider whether the grass might be greener over by Rauora Park, where Fletcher Living is experiencing a surge in interest in its One Central homes, post-lockdown. Of the 172 homes currently on offer, ranging […]

The Influencers: Leeann Watson

As we head into the home straight of the general election, and given the challenges of the current COVID-19 environment, it has never been more important to be fully informed and engaged in the election process, to play a real part in shaping the future of our country for the better. General […]

The Influencers: Joanna Norris

Having the right skills to supply the future job market is crucial in repositioning Ōtautahi Christchurch for social and economic prosperity. Unemployment in the city was 4.2 percent, similar to the national average of 4.4 percent (as at the end of March 2020). Since the lockdown, the number of Jobseeker Support Recipients, […]

The Influencers: John Bridgman

So much of central Christchurch has a shiny new face, meaning opportunities to rejuvenate buildings with historic charm are now relatively rare. But on 13 August we’ll be taking to auction the illustrious Odeon Theatre and neighbouring Lawrie and Wilson building in a heritage offering like no other. The Odeon’s white stone […]

The Influencers: Lianne Dalziel

It has been great to see people coming back into the building to work. I won’t pretend that I haven’t enjoyed some of the features of working from home. I seemed to get a lot more done. But the truth is I’m pretty much Zoomed out. What I missed the most were […]

The Influencers: Marian Johnson

Throughout June, the MoA team has been focusing on the launch of Christchurch’s first national healthtech initiative – the HealthTech Supernode Challenge, which went live on 29 June. This is our signal to New Zealand that Ōtautahi Christchurch aims to become the home of NZ healthtech innovation. With a total prize pool […]