The independently audited program for the global convention centre association evaluates each applying centre on 10 areas, which range from customer service and operational quality to financial integrity, health, safety and security, environmental responsibility, emergency response and employee, supplier and industry relations.
“The clarity of Te Pae’s documentation was among the best we have seen in any certification application,” said Rick Knowlan, from Knowlan Consulting Group in Canada, who undertook the independent audit of the Christchurch venue.
Te Pae joins around 30 other convention centres around the world that also have gold certification, including several in Australia.
“This really is a reflection of the international standards of service and quality we’ve been able to achieve through our experienced, world-class team,” said Te Pae’s general manager Ross Steele.
“While working through a very busy program and welcoming more than 80,000 visitors to almost 220 events over the course of the year, we have been able to maintain a consistently high level of performance across all aspects of the business – from employee engagement to sustainability.
“But perhaps the thing we are most proud of is the level of customer feedback we’ve been getting, with an overwhelmingly positive response to their experiences of Te Pae and the city.”
This year, the venue has also achieved net carbon neutral status in its scope one and two carbon emissions through the New Zealand based Toitū Envirocare certification process, in addition to meeting a pair of ISO management standards.
“Achieving these world-leading standards means we are making a commitment to showcasing the very best of our city, our region and our local economy at the highest possible level and continuing to develop in response to our customers’ needs in the future,” said Steele.
