Business

19 November 2025

ChristchurchNZ wins at EDNZ Awards

ChristchurchNZ secures two honours at the 2025 EDNZ Awards, recognised for leading the Space Cities Network and supporting pioneering biotech company BioOra.

EDNZ Awards CNZ group shot

ChristchurchNZ honoured for space and biotech innovation

ChristchurchNZ has secured two honours at the 2025 Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards, winning Excellence in Collaboration for its leadership of the Space Cities Network and Excellence in Innovation for its work with pioneering biotech company BioOra.

The wins underscore the city’s growing influence in high-value, future-focused sectors – from aerospace to immunotherapy – and highlight how strategic partnerships and business events are driving economic development across the region.

Business events powering global aerospace growth

The Space Cities Network (SCN) – a partnership between Christchurch, Lausanne, Houston and Seoul – is the world’s first city-to-city alliance dedicated to attracting and delivering aerospace and space science business events.

Head of Destination at ChristchurchNZ Kath Low says the award confirms the value of aligning business events with Christchurch’s growth sectors.

“This award validates the role business events play in shaping our economic future – they’re catalysts for innovation and high-value industry growth. Through the Space Cities Network, we’re strengthening global partnerships and opening doors that directly support our aerospace ambitions.”

The award comes at a time of real momentum for Canterbury’s aerospace sector.

In July, regional partners launched the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy, outlining a vision for Canterbury to become a $1 billion aerospace economy by 2035.

Cross-sector strength: BioOra recognised for breakthrough innovation

ChristchurchNZ’s second award – Excellence in Innovation – acknowledges its partnership with BioOra, whose groundbreaking CAR-T immunotherapy and new manufacturing facility in Christchurch are helping establish the region as a rising biotech hub.

“This recognition reflects ChristchurchNZ’s ability to support ambitious, research-driven companies scaling life-changing technology,” says ChristchurchNZ General Manager – Innovation & Business Growth, Martin Cudd.

“It also highlights a broader kind of innovation at play. BioOra’s CAR-T therapy is a breakthrough in scientific innovation, but this award recognises the equally critical innovation in how they are commercialising and scaling that science – a business model that will shape the future of health technology in New Zealand.”


Recognition that reinforces Christchurch’s ambition

ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams says the awards highlight the strength of the city’s economic development model – one that is collaborative, regenerative, and internationally connected.


“These wins reflect the exceptional partnerships that underpin Christchurch’s economic success. Our region thrives when innovators, investors, researchers, and communities work together. BioOra and the Space Cities Network are shining examples of how collaboration delivers real impact for Waitaha Canterbury.”
Ali Adams - CEO ChristchurchNZ

About the EDNZ Awards

The EDNZ Awards celebrate outstanding contributions to economic development across Aotearoa New Zealand. The 2025 awards were presented at the EDNZ Annual Conference in Auckland on 12–13 November. ChristchurchNZ was nominated for five awards.


Key takeaways

  • ChristchurchNZ won two major honours at the 2025 EDNZ Awards – Excellence in Collaboration for the Space Cities Network and Excellence in Innovation for its partnership with BioOra
  • The Space Cities Network award highlights Christchurch’s global aerospace leadership, reinforcing the role of business events in driving high-value industry growth
  • BioOra’s recognition underscores Canterbury’s emergence as a rising biotech hub, powered by breakthrough CAR-T immunotherapy and ChristchurchNZ’s sector support
  • The wins affirm ChristchurchNZ’s collaborative, future-focused economic development model, strengthening the region’s momentum in aerospace, biotech, and innovation

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