The Influencers: Lianne Dalziel

Head along to Te Pae

Although we had a formal opening for Te Pae, our amazing new Convention Centre, just before Christmas, the arrival of Omicron meant that it could not open its doors straight away.

Now it’s opening again and this time it is for good!

What Christchurch has in Te Pae is a world-class, purpose-built Convention Centre, which is already attracting important global conferences.

I recently opened one of these conferences – sadly, it was completely online – but hopefully that’s the last of those and we will get to welcome delegates in person once more.

I was taking pictures of Te Pae when it was closed, and I discovered a commentary on the unusual design, which was inspired by a photo of the Canterbury foothills taken from a flight into Christchurch.

“Architects strive to ensure that major civic buildings reflect their context,” it says. “The distinctive Canterbury braided rivers that flow from the Southern Alps are reflected in the 43,000 speckled façade tiles that wrap around the contours of the building.”

What lies inside is a spectacular 1400 seat auditorium which can be divided into two 700 seat venues. It has a massive exhibition space 2800m2 – 3300m2, and up to 1800 banquet setting. Look out for the chance to see inside Te Pae in the near future. I am sure you will be impressed.