Te Pae Christchurch targeting pre-Christmas opening

Get set for pre-Christmas events at the new Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre.

Originally the first events were to have been held there this month, but thanks to the latest Covid-19 disruptions, the convention centre is now aiming to hold its first events in the lead-up to Christmas. Many of the specialists necessary to complete the facility have been unable to travel down from the North Island.

“At least 30 experts in areas such as fire systems management and other aspects of commissioning and compliance for a venue of this scale are based in Auckland and Wellington,” says Ōtākaro Limited Chief Executive, John Bridgman.

“It’s understandable these people won’t be able to travel outside their regions for some time.

“With all the unknowns, we can’t yet provide a firm opening date but we are aiming to provide event organisers with as much clarity as is possible at the moment.

“We’re unlikely to be able to host the most complex events such as big conferences and exhibitions this year but we are optimistic of holding meetings and banquets before Christmas,” says Bridgman.

“We really feel for everyone who continues to be impacted by Covid-19. It’s been a tough year and we are really hoping to end it on a positive note by hosting some festive season events at our impressive new venue.”

He says it’s important to remember that Te Pae Christchurch is being built for the long-term benefit of the city and the region.

“While we are very keen to get the doors open as soon as possible, this will be a key city asset for decades to come. Even allowing for Covid-19, it’s likely to provide about $600m of direct economic benefit in the next 10 years.

Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele says the convention centre team is working with affected clients to find the best solution to host their events. “We also have around 90 further confirmed events which we look forward to hosting as we open Te Pae Christchurch for the benefit of the region,”
he says.