The Influencers

Christchurch is set to be a hub of activity with a packed summer events calendar under way. The Special Olympics National Summer Games are at Parakiore from 10 to 14 December, with the official opening of the city’s newest recreation and sports centre just around the corner. The Council has heaps of summer […]

As the South Island’s largest business support organisation, Business Canterbury is helping shape the policy environment that matters most to businesses and our communities. In a year of sweeping national reforms – from the Holidays Act to health and safety legislation – we’ve ensured Canterbury’s voice is heard early and often. Our evidence-led […]

Canterbury property has seen a strong start to spring. The spring selling season is well underway and Trade Me Property has seen a surge in new listings. In September, national listings were up close to six per cent year-on-year and nearly 19 per cent from August. We also saw property searches by prospective […]

Our $328 million link to the ice of Antarctica. The weather might be warming up, but I’d like to talk about ice. The start of a new Antarctic season is a great time to reflect on our role as a Gateway City to Antarctica. Each year, Ōtautahi Christchurch hosts a number of international […]

Christchurch is the capital of cool and Show Week is all set to go off with a bang. It’s been great to hit the ground running in the new Council term. We’re cracking straight into work on the Annual Plan, looking for as many ways as we can to get the rates down. […]

Despite looking efficient on paper, New Zealand’s retirement housing is failing communities and seniors. My grandmother is 86. She wants to live near her 30 grandchildren, her church, her doctor, and the familiar streets she has walked for decades. Yet finding an affordable, accessible home outside a retirement village proves nearly impossible. New […]

Our new property app reveals your home’s value. Arecent Trade Me Property survey of more than 2500 Kiwis found 90 per cent consider their home’s value to be a key part of their overall financial security. The survey also revealed 32 per cent of Kiwis wonder what their property is worth at least […]

The announcement of an overhaul for the assessment of earthquake-prone buildings is a win for communities, says Property Council chief executive Leonie Freeman. The Government’s plan to overhaul the assessment of earthquake-prone buildings is a long-awaited reset that addresses the flaws of a regime that has left thousands of buildings empty and communities […]

As New Zealand’s street art capital, Christchurch is the right and proper place to host The Art of Banksy exhibition. Christchurch is New Zealand’s coolest city, and its vibrant street art scene transforms every stroll into an open-air gallery. Summer is the perfect time to explore, with blue skies and bold murals around […]

Our airport is playing a major role in growing Ōtautahi. Our city is on the up, and it’s not by chance. It’s the result of mahi at every level, from community to businesses, we have a special mix going on right now. At your airport, our role is to build the connectivity that […]