Global Stage, Local Impact: Te Pae Christchurch Drives Economic Growth
Conventions held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre have generated almost $74 million for the local economy in the last 12 months, including over $60 million directly for Canterbury, highlighting the significance of the centre’s role in attracting world-leading events.
Te Pae Christchurch hosted 56 conventions in the year to June 2026, including several leading international events, which supported 827 jobs in the Canterbury region according to the impact assessment provided by Infometrics. In addition to conventions, over the last 12 months Te Pae Christchurch hosted a further 133 events, including exhibitions, banquets, live events and meetings, welcoming more than 125,000 attendees.
Te Pae Christchurch also recently celebrated four years since its opening in May 2022, during which time the purpose-built convention centre has hosted more than 865 events attended by over 422,000 visitors.
John O'Hagan, Chief Executive of Crown Infrastructure Delivery, which built and owns Te Pae Christchurch, says the results demonstrate the ongoing value of the Crown's investment in the convention centre.
"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.
Ross Steele, General Manager at Te Pae Christchurch, says the significant economic impact underscores the venue’s growing national and international reputation as part of a region-wide renaissance of business and events tourism.
“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 Ross Steele.
Steele says the success reflects both the work of the Te Pae Christchurch team and the strength of the wider Canterbury events sector. “That success reflects the dedication of the Te Pae Christchurch team and the strength of our Manaaki o Te Pae approach, which places hospitality at the heart of every guest experience. It also highlights the importance of an integrated regional effort, bringing together Christchurch City Council, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch Airport, accommodation and hospitality providers, local food and beverage suppliers, and the many talented entertainers, designers and performers who all play a part in delivering a unique and memorable experience of our region.”
Over the past year, landmark events have highted the versatility of the centre, and its growing international appeal. These 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 over the summer period.
The venue’s reputation has been reflected in a growing number of industry accolades received during the year. Te Pae Christchurch was recognised as Oceania’s Leading Meetings and Conference Centre at the World Travel Awards 2025 and named among the Top 50 Convention Centres Worldwide (TTW 2026).
Ross Steele says the international events industry has been rapidly evolving, particularly in the post-COVID era, with shifting expectations around community and culture, sustainability, and visitor experience.
“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 not only provides a key advantage in the global business events industry, but also strongly connects to the values of the Christchurch community.”
The organisation, which has achieved a 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 2022, was recently re-certified by Toitū, a leading New Zealand climate and certification organisation, as Net Carbon Zero and Enviromark Gold. Te Pae Christchurch also retained its Qualmark Gold certification along with ISO 9001 and ISO 22000, reinforcing its commitment to internationally recognised standards of quality, sustainability, management and visitor experience excellence.
“It’s important to recognise that this year’s success has been built on a foundation Christchurch has been developing for many years. Increasingly, international conference and business event organisers are choosing Christchurch for its safe, welcoming and walkable city centre, strong connection to culture and heritage, and spectacular natural environment.
Te Pae Christchurch has a strong pipeline of conventions and events confirmed for 2026 and beyond, supported by the city’s growing accommodation sector and new visitor attractions.
