Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre opened its doors recently, following numerous COVID-inflicted setbacks.
The first of three brand new international standard convention centres to open in New Zealand, Te Pae has a solid roster of events on its books, including over 50 multi-day conferences, and a number of other events ranging from exhibitions to live entertainment, banquets and smaller meetings and seminars.
Te Pae Christchurch general manager Ross Steele said while there was a strong contingent of domestic bookings in the first year, it had been pleasing to see the return of interest and bookings from international markets, particularly Australia.
“We can see that people are missing that connection that only comes with being face-to-face, and we know there is pent up demand for New Zealand, in particular Christchurch, so it’s been great see interest translate to bookings for later in 2022 and beyond,” he said.
Steele said there was no doubt it had been a challenging few years for the business events industry, but with the opening of Te Pae Christchurch, the team were starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
“As the first new-generation convention centre to open in New Zealand, we’re looking forward to playing our part in the regeneration of our city and country, but also in the regeneration of our industry post-covid.”
Operated by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management company, Te Pae Christchurch marks the company’s first foray into New Zealand.
As a result, the Centre will be the first in the country to benefit from ASM Global’s wealth of international experience, as well as its industry-leading initiatives such as VenueShield, a hygiene and sanitisation program developed in conjunction with world health experts in response to the challenges faced by covid.
Owned by Ōtākaro Ltd on behalf of the Crown, Te Pae Christchurch features all the infrastructure to cater for the significant international business events that Christchurch hasn’t been able to host for some time.
“As an international standard venue we are equipped with the latest audio-visual and technological assets, and a dedicated in-house AV team, ensuring we can successfully host in-person, virtual or hybrid events,” Steele said.
“And with a commitment to manaakitanga (hospitality), a focus on excellence in customer service and a culinary ethos that celebrates the best of Canterbury and New Zealand, delegates can be assured of an authentic taste of New Zealand when they visit.”
Inspired by Māori culture and history and designed by Woods Bagot in conjunction with Warren and Mahoney to reflect New Zealand’s natural landscape, Te Pae Christchurch is centrally located in the heart of New Zealand’s second-largest city.
Featuring 24 meeting rooms, including a 1000-seat riverside banquet room, up to 3,300sqm of exhibition space and a 1,400-seat Auditorium able to be configured into two completely autonomous spaces, Te Pae Christchurch has been designed with space and flexibility in mind, and with state-of-the-art technology at its core.
