The Te Pae effect
Conventions held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre have generated almost $74 million for the local economy in the last 12 months.
In the year to June 2026, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre hosted 56 conventions, including several leading international events. This supported 827 jobs in the Canterbury region, according to the impact assessment provided by Infometrics, and generated almost $74 million for the local economy, including over $60 million directly for Canterbury.
In addition to conventions, Te Pae Christchurch hosted a further 133 events over the last 12 months, including exhibitions, banquets, live events and meetings, welcoming more than 125,000 attendees. Since its opening in May 2022, the centre has hosted more than 865 events attended by over 422,000 visitors.
“The Crown backed Te Pae to help drive the regeneration of central Christchurch by attracting more visitors, investment and activity. These results show it is delivering on that vision in a very tangible way,” says John O’Hagan, chief executive of Crown Infrastructure Delivery, which built and owns Te Pae Christchurch.
Over the past year, landmark events at the centre have included the world’s leading climate adaptation conference, Adaptation Futures 2025; the International Society of Arboriculture Conference, and the 10th IWA-ASPIRE + Water New Zealand Conference and Expo.
Te Pae Christchurch also played a key role in supporting broader domestic visitor activity in the city during the centre’s shoulder season, with The Art of Banksy exhibition, which drew more than 38,000 visitors.
“We’re very proud of Te Pae Christchurch’s reputation as one of Australasia’s leading convention centres, helping position Christchurch and Canterbury as a premier business events destination,” says general manager Ross Steele.
Ross says the international events industry has been rapidly evolving, particularly in the post-COVID era, with shifting expectations around community, culture, and sustainability.
“Organisations increasingly want events that deliver meaningful outcomes for delegates while aligning with their environmental and social values. Te Pae Christchurch continues to be recognised internationally for helping set new benchmarks for sustainable convention delivery, which provides a key advantage in the global business events industry.”
Recently re-certified by Toitū Envirocare, the organisation has achieved a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2022.
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AT A GLANCE
In the last 12 months, Te Pae has:
56 conventions hosted
133 events held
125,000 attendees welcomed
827 jobs generated
$74 million added to the local economy
