The Influencers: Joanna Norris
This year marks a watershed moment for our city, our place, Ōtautahi Christchurch. There are few years I’ve been more excited for than 2020. We are emerging as the country’s premier urban destination, a basecamp for exploration and a hub of South Island adventure. Our rebuilt infrastructure is the envy of […]
The Influencers: John Bridgman
It’s not just the number of seats in the auditorium that the organisers of international conventions look at when selecting their next venue in a globally competitive sector. Transport, hospitality and quality of accommodation are also crucial in the decision-making process. So, it’s great for Christchurch that Ōtākaro recently secured a development […]
The Influencers: Lianne Dalziel
I love the fact it’s 2020! When applied to eyesight, 20/20 refers to clarity of vision and that is what I am sure the year 2020 will deliver to our city and region. I am hugely optimistic for what this year holds. Not only will we continue to see the […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
The last year was one of steady evolution. There was the release of a Government Budget focused on wellbeing, as well as the announcement of a $7.5 billion surplus. There was also the reversal on the tabling of a capital gains tax. There were various changes to employment legislation, with Fair […]
The Influencers: Ivan Iafeta
As the year draws to a close, I’d like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the agencies and organisations that have contributed to greater Christchurch’s regeneration during 2019. If you are a regular reader, you will know of my ongoing admiration and acknowledgement of the private sector’s significant role in Christchurch’s […]
The Influencers: Marian Johnson
One of the best parts of my job is getting to meet talented entrepreneurs and helping them succeed. And that’s exactly what the whole team got to do last week at the Pressure Cooker final of FoodStarter 2019 – a national competition looking for the most innovative food and beverage startups in […]
The Influencers: Dr Megan Woods
For a city recovering from a major disaster like the Canterbury earthquakes, all the evidence suggests that simply rebuilding buildings and restarting businesses is not the end of the recovery journey. The lasting impact of the trauma of the disaster and the long, grinding recovery that follows can have lasting mental […]
The Influencers: John Bridgman
Not only is our Te Papa Ōtākaro Avon River Precinct project the largest urban transformation ever undertaken in New Zealand, but now it has also been deemed this year’s best, winning the prestigious George Malcolm Award for supreme excellence at the 2019 New Zealand Institute of Landscape Architecture Awards. The Avon […]
The Influencers: Lianne Dalziel
What a wonderful few weeks it has been in Christchurch. We’ve hosted royalty and we’ve revelled in the Canterbury Anniversary events that bring the region together each year. In my mind, there is no better place to be in the spring than Christchurch. It was an honour to welcome the Prince […]
The Influencers: Leeann Watson
As this is my last Metropol column of the year, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight an initiative that is very close to my heart. In my role at The Chamber, I have seen first-hand the great work and outcomes that our many charities provide to those in need […]








