What we do
We improve the city’s productivity, liveability and attractiveness by growing jobs, improving the economic, social and environmental competitiveness of Christchurch businesses, and promoting Christchurch to everyone, from everywhere.
Our team
Working together for a prosperous city
ChristchurchNZ is a small but mighty organisation made up of specialists across multiple teams. We deliver activities to help us achieve three outcomes for the city: improved productivity, liveability, and attractiveness for Christchurch.
Each of specialised teams is focused on a specific area of opportunity. Find out more about each team below.
Our work is guided by three underlying strategies
Christchurch Economic Ambition
The city’s economic strategy, the Christchurch Economic Ambition, is a North Star leading the city toward becoming a regenerative economy. We need to grow a regenerative economy that brings prosperity, benefits people and the planet, and transitions us to a low emission city.
Destination Management Plans
Destination Management Plans provide a framework for our regions and capture the opportunities, challenges, and wishes for their future.
These plans for Ōtautahi Christchurch Waitaha Canterbury and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula are a government requirement for all regions with the aim of encouraging regenerative tourism across New Zealand while reflecting the aspirations of local communities.
- Ōtautahi Christchurch Canterbury Waitaha Destination Management Plan - full version 2023-2030 (PDF 14.4 MB)
- Ōtautahi Christchurch Canterbury Waitaha Destination Management Plan - at a glance 2023-2030 (PDF 2.4 MB)
- Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Destination Management Plan - full version 2023-2030 (PDF 10.2 MB)
- Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū Banks Peninsula Destination Management Plan - at a glance 2023-2030 (PDF 3.3 MB)
Ōtautahi Christchurch Brand
All our city promotion work is through the lens of our city brand, which is based on extensive research. Our residents and visitors tell us Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city where you can lead a balanced life and that makes time and space for play.
Innovation and business growth
Our Innovation and Business Growth team supports businesses and industries to improve their performance and grow sustainably in Christchurch. A knowledgeable mix of strategic thinkers, this team works to connect people and build relationships within the business and investment community through several focus teams.
Our Commercial and Skills Attraction team aims to attract business investment and talent into the Christchurch ecosystem through international education and other initiatives like Screen Canterbury.
Our growth sectors are helping to shape the future of Canterbury's economy by offering top-notch opportunities for hands-on learning, career pathways, partnerships, more innovation, research and development, and attracting talented people and businesses.
Major events
Major events are an important addition to any city, adding vibrancy and excitement.
Our Major Events team works closely with city partners on securing the best events for our city, from early-stage bidding and prospecting to partnering with event organisers and delivering epic events across the city. Check out some of the exciting events coming to the city here.
Destination Team
Our Destination team is focused on promoting Ōtautahi Christchurch as an attractive and compelling destination for visitors and business events. We strategically grow the visitor economy through targeted engagement with media, trade, and the business events community.
The team leads the implementation of community-inspired Destination Management Plans, which take a holistic and sustainable approach to managing growth. This includes coordinating new product development and harnessing opportunities for considered economic expansion. Their work also involves activating campaigns and joint ventures with partners such as Tourism New Zealand, hosting tourism trade professionals, and managing the Convention Bureau, which is instrumental in attracting conferences to the city. Additionally, the Destination Partner Programme provides enhanced support to participating tourism and business event operators, helping to strengthen Christchurch’s position as a leading destination.
City profile and promotion
Our City Profile and Promotion team are the storytellers and brand champions for Ōtautahi Christchurch. By delivering strategic marketing campaigns, collaborating with city partners and telling the epic stories of our city, we work to shift perceptions, aiming to make Christchurch a more attractive place to live, work, and play.
As caretakers of the city brand, we amplify and share what makes Christchurch the place we love to call home. This creates pride for our residents, sparks interest for potential visitors, and puts our city on the map for those looking to visit, live, study, or start a business here.
Strategies and publications
As the sustainable economic development and city profile agency for Ōtautahi Christchurch, we develop a range of strategies, publications and reports to guide the development of our city. These documents can be used by businesses, entrepreneurs, tourism agencies, and more to guide decision-making.
