New convention centre puts Christchurch on the map for international conferences
Credit: Te Pae Christchurch
The new $450m Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has opened in the South Island’s largest city, greatly expanding Christchurch’s capability to host international business events.
The new convention centre is forecast to bring $60m a year into Christchurch’s economy.
Te Pae Christchurch General Manager Ross Steele said while there was a strong contingent of domestic bookings in the first year, it had been pleasing to see the return of interest and bookings from international markets, particularly Australia.
“We can see that people are missing that connection that only comes with being face-to-face, and we know there is pent up demand for New Zealand, in particular Christchurch, so it’s been great see interest translate to bookings for later in 2022 and beyond.”
Te Pae is the first of three new generation convention centres opening in New Zealand’s main city centres. Currently under construction are Tākina, the new Wellington Convention and Exhibition Centre, in the nation’s capital; and the New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) in the heart of Auckland city.
Tourism New Zealand General Manager Domestic & Business Events Bjoern Spreitzer says: “This growth in business events infrastructure underlines both the importance of this industry to New Zealand’s economy and recognition of the wider knowledge, networking and business benefits international conferences and events bring.”
Te Pae Christchurch offers the latest in purpose-built meeting facilities across 28,000 square metres of world-class, adaptable event space. That includes a 1,400-seat tiered auditorium, divisible into two; a 1,000-seat banquet space with views overlooking the river; expansive exhibition space, and flexible meeting spaces. State-of-the-art technology comes built-in, with leading hybrid and virtual meeting capability and an in-house AV and production team.
As part of ASM Global, it’s already leveraging the knowledge and experience of the worldwide venue management company, while delivering New Zealand’s famed local welcome and hospitality.