The Influencers

Christchurch has been through a time of remembrance and gratitude but also celebration, and joy. On 25 April, we paused to honour those who gave everything so we might live freely. Anzac Day is a reminder that freedom is never free, and that we carry an obligation to those who served. Our Draft […]

Summer visitors contributed $861 million to the South Island economy. This summer has been one to remember for us at Christchurch Airport. The energy and the number of people coming through our doors have been something special, and it’s great to see what that means for our city and the South Island. We […]

The biggest show in town is nearly here. When One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha opens for its first big event over ANZAC weekend, it will mark more than the arrival of a new venue. It will signal a new chapter for Christchurch. One built on confidence, ambition, and a city stepping […]

Navigating uncertainty, creating connection. The world is facing a period of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, and its ripple effects are being felt well beyond headlines. For businesses, this may mean travel disruption, rising airfares, and increased supply chain costs – pressures that inevitably influence decision making and confidence. For those of us in the […]

From sport games and concerts to further investment in the CBD, the city’s grandest project is complete. Depending on when you’re reading this, we’re only days away from the first event at One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha. I can’t wait to see it filled to the rafters with people getting ready […]

The stadium at Te Kaha was built and finished on time, on budget, with no lost time to injury. Last month, the Council opened the One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, with zero lost time to injuries, and handed over earlier than scheduled, fully meeting specifications, and on budget. As chair of […]

From floods to earthquake anniversaries, resilience and spirit remain core to the future of our city. Iwant to take the opportunity to reflect on the month we’ve had – February is a short month, but one that carries real weight for Christchurch. The 15th anniversary of the 22 February 2011 earthquakes reminded us […]

Why Australia matters to Christchurch’s economy. Australia is now Christchurch’s largest international visitor market – and when Australians choose to holiday here, the benefits flow directly into our local community. It’s not just hotels that gain. More visitors mean busier cafés and restaurants, stronger retail sales, packed events, and more work for the […]

Hope for Christchurch’s property sector. As a developer, I see Christchurch entering its most transformative period. The city’s resilient rebuild has matured into a wave of innovation and opportunity. We are no longer just replacing what was lost; we are future-proofing a greater city. The demand for medium-density housing is surging. Young families […]

Christchurch Airport is flying high, with profits up 24% in a year. There’s a real buzz around our airport at the moment. What I’m most proud of isn’t just the growth, it’s the confidence we all have in Christchurch and the South Island. Over the past six months, we’ve worked closely with airlines […]