Te Pae brings $77 million boost to national economy

The Crown-owned convention centre, Te Pae Christchurch, has delivered a $77 million boost to New Zealand’s GDP and supported 693 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs across the country.

New analysis from Infometrics, for the year to November 2024, shows the centre also contributed an estimated $63 million to Canterbury’s economy, supporting 631 FTE jobs in the region.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre exemplifies what well-operated, high-quality infrastructure can do for the economy, says Crown Infrastructure Delivery General Manager – Te Pae, Kirstie McNulty.

“The Government committed to building a convention centre in Christchurch to help reinvigorate the central city economy post-earthquakes, and we’re now seeing that forward-thinking pay off,” she says.

Business Canterbury Chief Executive Leeann Watson says Te Pae continues to be a confidence booster for business. “Infometrics’ analysis confirms the huge impact we have seen in the local economy since the convention centre opened in 2021. It really is a jewel in our crown as a region and will continue to be a magnet for economic growth opportunities moving forward.”

Kirstie McNulty says the centre is stimulating local economic activity and also attracting visitors from around the world, with an estimated 80,200 guests attending 217 events in the year to November 2024.

“Visitor spending alone has contributed an estimated $37.8 million to Canterbury’s GDP, with international guests from Australia, North America, and Asia making a significant impact. The convention centre has also had a major effect on industries such as accommodation, food services, and arts and recreation, contributing to job creation in these sectors.”