Meet our people: Greg Allen
Greg Allen is the Health, Safety and Security Manager at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, helping to provide a safe, secure and welcoming environment for staff, clients, contractors and visitors. His role covers everything from event risk management and emergency preparedness to contractor safety, incident investigations, security operations and supporting teams to deliver events safely. With no two days quite the same, Greg works closely with teams across the venue to manage operational risks and help ensure events run smoothly.
What attracted you to your role at Te Pae Christchurch?
What attracted me to the role at Te Pae Christchurch was the opportunity to work in such a unique environment. The venue brings together people from across New Zealand and around the world for everything from business events and exhibitions to community and cultural events.
Safety and security play an important role behind the scenes in making those experiences possible. Being able to contribute to a venue that plays such a significant role for Christchurch and Canterbury was a big part of what attracted me to the role.
What do you like most about your job and working at Te Pae Christchurch?
The people. Te Pae Christchurch has a fantastic team, and I enjoy working with people across all areas of the venue. Everyone contributes something different to delivering successful events.
I also enjoy solving problems and helping teams find practical ways to manage risk while still delivering great experiences for our clients and guests.
I'm incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated Health, Safety and Security team alongside me. The success of what we do comes from the work they put in every day, whether that's supporting events and contractors, training, emergency preparedness, investigations or operational delivery.
How is working at Te Pae Christchurch different from other organisations?
Te Pae Christchurch is incredibly collaborative. Health, safety and security aren't the responsibility of one person or one department. Everyone has a part to play.
Our 'one team, one Te Pae' approach means we work closely across departments to find practical solutions and create a safe and successful venue. A lot of our work happens behind the scenes, and when an event runs smoothly, guests may never realise how much planning has gone into keeping everyone safe.
What project or event are you most proud of?
Some of my most memorable experiences have been supporting major national and international events at Te Pae Christchurch. Events bringing together government leaders, international delegates, industry experts or large public audiences require significant planning and collaboration across the wider team.
Seeing those events delivered successfully and knowing our team played a part in making that happen is incredibly rewarding. For us, success often means everything has run smoothly and guests haven't needed to think about all the work happening behind the scenes.
What inspires you?
I'm inspired by the people I work alongside. Health, safety and security rely on collaboration, and I enjoy seeing different teams come together to solve challenges and deliver successful events.
It's rewarding to be part of a venue where people connect, learn, celebrate and share ideas, and to know that our work helps make those experiences possible.
Any hobbies or interests?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family and making the most of everything Canterbury has to offer. I'm also a keen sports fan and enjoy following football and Formula One.
What's next for Greg?
For me, it's about continuing to support the team and building on the work we're already doing across health, safety and security. I want to keep looking for ways to improve how we manage risk, support our teams and create a safe and welcoming environment for everyone who comes through the doors.
Te Pae Christchurch continues to bring people together and contribute to Christchurch's reputation as an events destination, and I'm proud to play a part in that.
