Pandemic pushes back Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre opening plans

Due to the latest Covid-19 disruption, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is now aiming to hold its first events in the lead up to Christmas. The new building was on track to hold its first events in October but will now be delayed as many of the specialists necessary to complete the facility are unable to travel down from the North Island. John Bridgman, chief executive of Ōtākaro Limited, said: “With all the unknowns, we can’t yet provide a firm opening date but we are aiming to provide event organisers with as much clarity as is possible at the moment.” Bridgman added: “While we are very keen to get the doors open as soon as possible, this will be a key city asset for decades to come. Even allowing for Covid-19, it’s likely to provide about NZ$600m (US$423.2m) of direct economic benefit in the next ten years. Ross Steele, general manager of Te Pae Christchurch, said: “We certainly support the health direction to get New Zealand back to Alert Level 1, particularly while the vaccination programme continues to be rolled out. The vaccination programme is the key to unlock our borders, which will allow incremental growth in the New Zealand business events industry for the long term.