Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has delivered a significant economic boost to New Zealand, contributing nearly NZ$74 million (approximately US$43 million) to the country’s economy during the financial year ending June 2026. A recent economic impact assessment highlights the convention centre’s growing importance as a leading destination for conferences, conventions, exhibitions, and business events in the Asia-Pacific region.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre Strengthens Regional Economy
According to an independent Infometrics impact assessment, more than NZ$60 million (around US$35 million) of the total economic contribution directly benefited the Canterbury region. The report also estimated that convention-related activity at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre supported 827 jobs across the region, demonstrating the venue’s role in driving employment, tourism, and local business growth.
The strong economic performance reflects the continued success of Christchurch in attracting national and international business events, helping to position the city as one of New Zealand’s leading convention destinations.
More Than 125,000 Visitors Attended Events in FY2026
During the year ending June 2026, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre hosted 56 conventions, including several major international conferences. In addition, the venue welcomed 133 exhibitions, meetings, banquets, and live events, attracting a combined audience of more than 125,000 attendees.
The diverse event calendar contributed significantly to visitor spending across accommodation, hospitality, transport, retail, and tourism sectors, providing lasting economic benefits for Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.
International Conferences Drive Business Tourism
Several high-profile international events were hosted at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre throughout the year. These included Adaptation Futures 2025, the International Society of Arboriculture Conference, and the 10th International Water Association Asia-Pacific Regional Group and Water New Zealand Conference and Expo.
These global conferences brought delegates from around the world to Christchurch, reinforcing the city’s reputation as an attractive destination for business events and knowledge exchange.
The Art of Banksy Exhibition Attracted Thousands of Visitors
Beyond conventions and conferences, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre successfully diversified its event portfolio by hosting The Art of Banksy exhibition during the summer shoulder season.
The popular exhibition attracted more than 38,000 visitors, helping increase tourism activity during a traditionally quieter period while showcasing the venue’s flexibility in hosting large-scale cultural and public events.
Government Investment Continues to Deliver Results
Commenting on the venue’s economic performance, John O’Hagan, Chief Executive of Crown Infrastructure Delivery, said the convention centre was established to support the regeneration of central Christchurch by attracting more visitors, investment, and economic activity.
He noted that the latest economic impact figures demonstrate the venue is successfully delivering on that long-term vision by creating measurable benefits for both Christchurch and New Zealand.
Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre Marks Four Successful Years
Since officially opening in May 2022, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has rapidly become one of New Zealand’s premier business events venues.
Over the past four years, the convention centre has hosted more than 865 events and welcomed over 422,000 visitors, highlighting its growing popularity among conference organisers, exhibition planners, and event professionals.
Modern Facilities Support Large-Scale Events
Designed to accommodate a wide variety of business and entertainment events, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre offers world-class facilities capable of hosting up to 2,000 delegates.
The venue features a 1,364-seat auditorium, 2,800 square metres of exhibition space, and 24 flexible meeting rooms, making it suitable for international conventions, trade exhibitions, corporate meetings, and live performances.
Owned by Crown Infrastructure Delivery Limited and managed by Legends Global, the convention centre continues to play a vital role in strengthening Christchurch’s position as a leading international destination for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).
As demand for business events continues to grow, Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is expected to remain a key driver of tourism, investment, and economic development across New Zealand.
