Tā Mātou Kōrero
Our Story
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is designed as the ‘gathering place’ for our city and region – and the venue to showcase its place in the world.
We’re here to help represent the best the region has to offer, forge lasting social, cultural and economic connections, and play our part in the ongoing development of our vibrant city.
Inspired by both our people and our place, the award-winning design of Te Pae Christchurch reflects the natural beauty of our mountains, rivers, and lands, as well as the unique culture and history of the Canterbury region.
Our name, ‘Te Pae’ draws inspiration from several phrases in te reo Māori, including Te Pae Maunga – our mountain views – and Te Pae Whenua – the vast plains we inhabit, which are both reflected in the design of our landmark building. Te Pae also reflects the term, Te Pae Tangata – a place to meet and converse. We are proud to bear a name that says so much about the place we’re from and our role at the heart of this community.
Whether you are planning a major event or a bespoke gathering, we offer a selection of highly configurable events spaces, with a range of features, tailored services and quality design to create the perfect environment.
Explore the rooms and spaces at Te Pae Christchurch, or talk to our expert team about the right space for your event.
Te Pae Christchurch is not just a world-class venue, it is our people who create memorable experiences for our guests.
As your hosts, it is the experience, knowledge and passion of our team that ensures every event is a success. New Zealanders place enormous value on our long tradition of being hosts – we call it manaakitanga. Whether you are organising an event, showcasing your brand as an exhibitor or being welcomed as our guest, our expert team is devoted to ensuring every aspect of your experience at Te Pae Christchurch meets the highest standards.
Ross Steele
Gillian Officer
Darren Tait
Nicolette Elia
Troy Williams
Danielle Thompson
Nathan Gardiner
Vanessa McBean
We are proud that our achievements are reflected in a range of awards and accreditations. These not only represent our commitment to operating at the highest level, but also our focus on the things that help make your event more meaningful, and more successful.
Toitū net carbonzero: We have met Toitū Envirocare’s internationally recognised standards of measuring, managing and reducing operational lifecycle emissions. Te Pae Christchurch is the first convention centre in the world with this accreditation.
Toitū Enviromark Gold Certification: We have developed a comprehensive plan to help achieve our goals outlined in the environmental policy, and we are measuring our impacts so that we can better manage them.
Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Accreditation: Awarded to best-in-class sustainable tourism businesses, for exceptional customer service delivery.
2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Awards (Community and Government Projects category): Awarded in recognition of innovation and best practice in sustainability and responsible tourism.
2023 EVANZ – Medium Venue of the Year, Rising Star of the Year: Entertainment Venues Association of New Zealand recognition for our venue and team.
- NZGC 5 Star Green Building Rating: Our building has been designed to the highest green standard in the New Zealand building code and features an integrated building management system.
Te Pae Christchurch holds two ISO accreditations, demonstrating the highest international standards for food safety and commitment to quality management.
ISO 9001 - Quality Management Systems: A globally recognised standard for quality management, to improve performance, meet customer expectations and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to quality.
ISO 22000 - Food Safety Management Certification The international standard for food safety, demonstrating our ability to control food safety hazards in order to ensure food is safe.
We’re conscious of the difference we can make in our community. We recognise our responsibility as a local leader and the impact we have on the region. This is measured not only in the direct economic value of the events we hold, but through the enormous potential of the sustained social, cultural, educational and business links our community builds through meeting, sharing knowledge and forging connections at Te Pae Christchurch.
We’re creating meaningful partnerships with local businesses and organisations that allow us to contribute to key areas of need in our community. These include our partnerships with:
- Cholmondeley Children’s Centre – a charity working with local families and children to provide short-term respite care at times of stress or crisis.
- Foodbank Canterbury – works with us to collect food from our events, to be donated to those in need.
The art you’ll experience throughout your visit to Te Pae Christchurch reflects one of the most important ways we have chosen to tell our stories. Sharing this narrative, through art and design, helps make every visit more memorable and engaging.
From sculptures and traditional designs to furniture and digital displays, we are fortunate to play host to works by leading local and national artists.
When you visit the venue QR codes throughout the venue tell the story of our artworks by using your phone camera OR view ‘Our Story’ for details of the art pieces and artists.
From sustainable business policies to unique environmental initiatives – such as our e-water system, and soil-food programme – we view every aspect of our business through an environmental lens.
Our commitment to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do.
The company’s venue network spans five continents, with more than 350 of the world’s most prestigious arenas, stadiums, convention and exhibition centres, and performing arts venues.