Conference puts spotlight on sustainable economic growth

Christchurch is hosting the Sustainable Brands Conference with a focus on Regenerative Growth

Ōtautahi Christchurch will host global sustainability leaders this August, as Sustainable Brands comes to the city for the first time – highlighting the region’s growing reputation as a centre for regenerative, low-emissions economic growth.

What is Sustainable Brands Ōtautahi?

The two-day event will bring together marketing and brand leaders, sustainability and operations specialists, and export-focused businesses to explore how organisations can thrive while contributing to a better future.

Through practical, insight-led sessions, attendees will explore how brand-led culture change can drive measurable impact – redesigning systems, regenerating outcomes, and creating long-term value for both business and society.

How does Sustainable Brands align with the Christchurch approach to development?

ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams says the event aligns strongly with the city’s economic ambition.

That ambition is already visible across the region – from regenerative agriculture initiatives to a fast-growing cleantech sector, and major projects such as Christchurch Airport’s renewable energy precinct Kōwhai Park. Increasingly, local businesses are embedding sustainability into how they design, produce and deliver, recognising that sustainability and performance go hand-in-hand.

How Christchurch is a natural fit for Sustainable Brands

For conference convenor Lewis Patterson, Country Director of Sustainable Brands Aotearoa and CEO of Latitude 45 Limited, Christchurch is a natural fit.

“Ōtautahi Christchurch is an ideal host city for Sustainable Brands,” says Patterson. “The city has a strong track record of leadership through its homegrown businesses – including purpose-driven apparel brands like Untouched World, Kathmandu, MacPac and Jamie Kay, which have successfully taken their values-led approach to the global stage.”

“As the gateway to Waitaha Canterbury, Te Waipounamu and Antarctica, Christchurch connects research, industry and global networks – making it a powerful base for collaboration on sustainability challenges and opportunities.” 

How business events foster economic growth in Christchurch

Business events like Sustainable Brands also play an important role in the city’s economic growth – bringing international perspectives, connecting local businesses with global networks, and creating opportunities to collaborate and scale ideas.

As Adams notes, “for Canterbury businesses, it’s a unique opportunity to engage directly with an internationally recognised brand, exchange ideas with like-minded leaders, and gain practical tools to respond to shifting consumer expectations and global market demands.”

Be part of the conversation shaping the future of business.

Event details:

• Location: Christchurch Town Hall, Ōtautahi Christchurch
• Date: 24–25 August 2026

Key takeaways

• Christchurch hosting Sustainable Brands signals its growing leadership in regenerative, low-emissions economic growth.
• The region is already delivering practical sustainability through initiatives like cleantech, regenerative agriculture and Kōwhai Park.
• Christchurch-founded brands such as Kathmandu and Macpac show how purpose-led, sustainable business can succeed globally.
• The event offers Canterbury businesses valuable access to international networks, insights and export opportunities.