Christchurch has launched a new Business Events Strategy and marketing campaign, Made for it, on 26 May 2026, aimed at strengthening the city’s position as a destination for business events.
According to the Business Event Data Report 2025 by Fresh Info, Christchurch’s share of New Zealand’s multi-day business events market rose from 9.8% in 2021 to 18.7% in 2025. The sector contributes an estimated NZ$175 million annually to the Christchurch economy.
Bree Jones, business events manager at ChristchurchNZ, said the campaign positions the city as purpose-built for business events, pointing to infrastructure including Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, the restored Christchurch Town Hall, the One New Zealand Stadium and new central city hospitality venues.
“Christchurch has evolved into one of the most modern, connected and experience-rich business events destinations in the Southern Hemisphere,” said Jones. “We now have a highly walkable city with world-class infrastructure, growing international connectivity and access to extraordinary experiences all within close reach. Christchurch is entering a new era of opportunity, and this campaign is about confidently taking that story to market.”
The campaign targets business event organisers, conference decision-makers, incentive planners and event producers across New Zealand and Australia, using trade media, digital activity, outdoor advertising and industry engagement.
Ross Steele, general manager of Te Pae Christchurch, said the city’s competitive advantage extends beyond infrastructure to the quality of the delegate experience. “Te Pae Christchurch is only 20 minutes from the airport, and within the central city delegates will find a walkable, accessible destination… Delegates can move seamlessly between hotels, conference sessions, dining and networking,” said Steele.
The campaign aligns with ChristchurchNZ’s Business Events Strategy 2026–2029, announced in April, which frames business events as a driver of economic growth, knowledge exchange and city profile.
Watch campaign video here: https://vimeo.com/1195422073?share=copy
