Of these events, 56 were conferences, while other events included banquets, exhibitions and meetings. In all, these gatherings saw 125,000 people visit 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,” said John O’Hagan, chief executive of Te Pae’s owner, Crown Infrastructure Delivery.
Key international conferences held at Te Pae over the last year include the UN climate adaption conference, Adaptation Futures 2025 and the International Society of Arboriculture Conference. Alongside these, the 10th IWA-ASPIRE + Water New Zealand Conference and Expo combined the Asia Pacific regional meeting for the International Water Association with the national Water New Zealand Conference and Expo to create New Zealand’s largest ever event for the water sector.
For the first time since it opened in May 2022, Te Pae hosted a consumer exhibition over the summer months, with the Art of Banksy attracting 38,000 members of the general public in December and January.
“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,” said Te Pae’s general manager, Ross Steele.
“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.”
Since opening, Christchurch’s convention centre has achieved net carbon zero status for its scope one and two carbon emissions and some of scope three, with the venue recently recertified for this. Te Pae has also reduced its carbon emissions by 20 per cent since 2022.
“Organisations increasingly want events that deliver meaningful outcomes for delegates while aligning with their environmental and social values,” said Steele.
“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.”
