Ōtautahi Christchurch brand

Our city narrative has the power to bring us together, to boost our pride, to help make us stronger as a community and more welcoming to visitors.

Our story

Becoming the vibrant heart of Waitaha

Christchurch has long been known as the Garden City. Yet as our city has evolved, this narrative does not fully cover the vibrant, diverse place we have become.

The historical definition of a Garden City is

a place that captures the primary benefits of the countryside and the city while avoiding the disadvantages presented by both. It testifies to a continued interest in securing a harmonious existence between humans and their natural environment.

Capturing that idea of harmony between people and nature is the concept of 'balance'. This idea, combined with hearing from locals and visitors, has evolved into talking about Ōtautahi Christchurch’s story as a city in pursuit of balance, where people are at our heart.

We find balance through play.

Play is reflected everywhere: in our history, our affinity to the natural environment, our drive for experimentation and innovation, our love of sport, our role as a manufacturing hub, and the way we value community and whanau. And to find balance, we make time and space for play.

Skiers and snowboarders taking in the view at Mt Hutt
Friends enjoyng their time at Riverside Market.

The story behind our new identity

Explore the new Ōtautahi Christchurch. More than the garden city, we're a vibrant, diverse, and culturally rich destination.

Learn more

evidence base

You can expect more in Ōtautahi

At ChristchurchNZ, we’re all about keeping you ahead of the curve with regular updates and live monitoring of the Christchurch and Canterbury economy.

Explore the insights
  • 640

    New knowledge intensive businesses created in Christchurch over 12 months.

  • +29%

    Salary growth across engineering roles in the past 5 years.

  • 2780

    Tech firms are based in Canterbury.

  • 300

    Business is booming. With an increase in the finance sector within Canterbury.

Teens bodyboarding in Sumner

Brand toolkit

Resources to help you tell our story

Find your space in a city filled with natural beauty and world-class venues. Where hotels, hospitality and nature are just a walk away. Find room to think, and room to be free. Find that perfect balance between work and play.

Explore the toolkit

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Show your Ōtautahi Christchurch pride

Share our city’s story with an Ōtautahi Christchurch t-shirt for yourself, your team or whānau!

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Show your Ōtautahi Christchurch Pride with a tee

Rep your city pride with style with official Ōtautahi Christchurch merchandise!

Our city is a place with a strong story to tell. One about balance, harmony with nature, and an affinity for play, adventure, and innovation. A city where people love to live and love to visit.

Share our city’s story with an Ōtautahi Christchurch t-shirt for yourself, your team, or whānau!

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Aerial shot of Christchurch CBD.