New Zealand’s South Island take centre stage for conventions

The Christchurch Centre is set for completion in late 2019, creating a new premium boutique meetings and events venue for New Zealand’s South Island.

General Manager Rob McIntyre says the convention centre will be a dream space for international event organisers, designed with a distinctive South Island flavour.

The world-class venue takes prime waterfront position beside the Ōtākaro Avon River at the centre of New Zealand’s newest city.

“This will be a landmark facility of outstanding architectural significance. Its central riverside location, cultural and heritage references, and flexible layout all make it appealing to event organisers and delegates,” he says.

The Christchurch Centre is designed to be flexible and responsive to a wide range of event requirements for up to 2000 delegates. The unique divisible auditorium for 1400 will allow two major events to run simultaneously, with plenty of break-out space in 1600 sqm of meeting rooms, and a large 3600 sqm space for exhibitions. A premium banqueting area will feature five-star service, and food and beverage selections from the world-renowned local produce of the South Island.

The main entrance to the Centre opens out to the Ōtākaro Avon River, and has been designed to reflect the fluid curves of the South Island’s braided rivers. The Centre is surrounded by green spaces, parks and gardens fronting onto the river. Stories of the local Māori people and their land, trade and craft are interwoven through every aspect of the design.

“Christchurch ticks all the boxes for educational opportunities, networking, destination appeal and accessibility. It is the gateway to the magnificent South Island, with an excellent international airport and an attractive, compact city centre,” he says.

New Zealand’s second largest city is also home to world-class universities, Crown research facilities, start-up accelerators, and specialist innovation and health precincts.

“Here we can bring together people from all over the world with interests in Christchurch’s specialist areas of expertise, including earth sciences, health sciences, agriculture, food science, international education, building and environmental technology.”

The Christchurch Centre is a New Zealand Government project and is managed by globally- experienced professionals Accor.

www.centre.nz