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11 February 2026
New research from ChristchurchNZ and Tourism New Zealand confirms conferences deliver lasting legacy beyond tourism, driving cultural, scientific, industry and reputation benefits.
ChristchurchNZ has released the second phase of The Conference Legacy Project in partnership with Tourism New Zealand, proving that hosting conferences in Ōtautahi Christchurch is directly driving social, commercial, sector and reputational outcomes well beyond delegate spend.
The three-year research programme examines the broader impact of business events across the country. Moving beyond the traditional economic measures that have been captured in the past, this study aims to capture the contribution of long-lasting legacy outcomes, making it the first of its kind for New Zealand.
ChristchurchNZ Business Events Manager Bree Jones presented the latest findings at AIME 2026 in Melbourne today.
"This research has been a real step forward in how we understand the value of business events. It gives us credible, evidence-based insight into the long-term impact conferences create, for industries and importantly, the places that host them.”Bree Jones - ChristchurchNZ Business Events Manager
Internationally recognised business events researcher Carmel Foley has been conducting the research based on delegate surveys from conferences held in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland.
“One of the things that truly sets New Zealand apart is the depth of connection delegates experience through our unique Māori culture.” says Penelope Ryan, Tourism New Zealand Global Manager Business Events. “Conferences held here don’t just share knowledge — they are grounded in the values that shape how we collaborate, innovate and care for one another. That cultural depth creates a level of engagement and inspiration delegates simply can’t find anywhere else in the world.”
Among the second release of results, Māori cultural heritage, values and leadership ranked among the highest rated impacts of conferences in Christchurch. Delegates consistently described Māori led programming as transformative, with Indigenous perspectives embedded through ceremony, language and kaupapa.
Scientific progress emerged as another strong outcome for Christchurch, with nearly 88 percent of delegates reporting that conferences directly contributed to advancement in their field. Industry innovation and adoption was another high performing domain.
Raising the city’s profile was Christchurch’s top rated impact, with 93.3 percent of delegates agreeing conferences positively shaped their perception of the destination. Attendees described Christchurch as a modern, thriving city with world class facilities and a natural environment that enhanced the overall conference experience.
“The research is clearly showing that business events don’t just bring people to Christchurch, they help attract global talent, build long-term connections and position the city for future investment,” says Jones.
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