The Influencers

As organisations across Canterbury face an extended period of change, we want to ensure that we are providing our business community with the tools and knowledge to not just survive but look at growth opportunities through these challenging times. Today’s leaders are called upon to wear multiple hats – caring for their own […]

One of my favourite New Zealand films is Sir Peter Jackson’s 1994 classic Heavenly Creatures. Dark subject matter aside, it did a wonderful job of capturing a 1950s Christchurch look and feel, and rightfully gained international accolades. It also paved the way for the careers of Kate Winslet and Melanie Lynskey and put […]

It is reassuring to see Christchurch City recently identified as the happiest city in New Zealand, by the London-based Institute for Quality of Life. The index used in making the assessment focuses on cities that prioritise happiness and wellbeing.While I struggle a little with a city being “happy”, I can certainly relate to […]

It can be tempting to get pessimistic in the winter months when ‘cost of living’ and ‘brain drain’ talk is once more in the news cycle. But I’m an optimist, and that is boosted by data that shows Christchurch is avoiding, and in some cases defying, some of the less inspiring headlines we’ve […]

Conferences bring people together from all corners of the globe, and when delegates visit Te Pae Christchurch, we aim to give them a true taste of Canterbury. Our food and beverage offerings are an amazing opportunity to showcase the rich produce and culinary excellence our region is known for. Recently, we unveiled our […]

One week, three events, infinite ideas and opportunity, that’s Innovate Ōtautahi in a nutshell. That’s not wishful thinking, we’ve transformed into a modern city with a thriving ecosystem of businesses and innovators. Alison Adams, CEO ChristchurchNZ Last year Innovate Ōtautahi brought together over 9000 delegates, whānau, educators, exhibitors, and speakers. The convergence of ideas, […]

Christchurch is buzzing with creativity this winter, and our city’s talent is on display with all things art and culture. It will make a nice break from the Long Term Plan process which is almost finished. First up, we’ve got Tīrama Mai from 21–30 June to mark Puaka-Matariki. Think lighting displays, cultural performances, […]

With all the media coverage of the Government’s 2024 Budget, it is timely to update you on how businesses across Canterbury are feeling right now. Our most recent Quarterly Canterbury Business Survey, a measure of regional business confidence and economic activity, showed that businesses are hurting. Some business confidence metrics are at the […]

I was interested to read the information from the 2023 Census released recently, which shows the greater Christchurch population grew nearly 10% between 2018 and 2023. Surely this is confirmation that Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest city, with the greater Christchurch regional population well exceeding greater Wellington. It was also exciting to […]

Te Papa Hauora Christchurch Health Precinct celebrates its 10 year anniversary in May 2024. From an inspired vision post-earthquake, the Precinct officially came into being in May 2014, as one of the first of 18 anchor projects to get underway. It took considerable courage by the founding stakeholders to embrace a new way […]