Latest news with #ChristchurchNZ
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Has Plenty Of Beds For Visitors Drawn By Large Events
This is welcome news to the city, which is becoming more attractive to visitors and, with the forthcoming opening of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, to large event promoters. July 17, 2025: New research has confirmed there is enough commercial accommodation capacity in Christchurch city and the adjacent Waimakariri and Selwyn districts to host around 39,200 people per night. This is welcome news to the city, which is becoming more attractive to visitors and, with the forthcoming opening of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, to large event promoters. Electric Avenue 2025 generated 62,902 visitor nights with an average stay of 2.97 nights, and Supercars Championship which is confirmed for April 17-19, 2026, is projected to generate about 38,000 visitor nights across those three days. The research by Fresh Info was commissioned by ChristchurchNZ to help its understanding of the accommodation market in the city and its surrounds ahead of a bumper year of major events in 2026. ChristchurchNZ also bids or supports major events in the city, such as SailGP, Electric Avenue and Supercars Championship. Where are all these beds? Accommodation across Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri includes capacity for 6928 people in hotels, 4984 in motels, 1945 in backpackers, 8912 in holiday parks and hosted Bed and Breakfasts, and 16,435 in peer-to-peer accommodation such as AirBnB and holiday homes. Capacity in peer-to-peer accommodation is spread across 3863 unique listings in the region containing 9,839 beds. Christchurch city can accommodate around 32,000 people per night in commercial accommodation and the adjacent Waimakariri and Selwyn districts can accommodate around 7,200. How do large events impact hotel prices? The research also showed large events do impact hotel rates, although the average increases are well below the occasional highly priced hotel listing that makes headlines. Electric Avenue 2024 increased average hotel prices by $20-36 per night relative to one week before and after the event (excluding GST). SailGP 2024 increased average hotel prices by $48-69 per night by the same criteria and Electric Avenue 2025 increased average hotel prices by $69-71 per night. What about staying with friends or family? The research also indicated that Greater Christchurch residents are supporting friends and relatives who come to the region for a major event. For most events, about 60% stay in commercial accommodation with another 40% staying with a friend or relative in town. ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction Loren Aberhart says the research findings should give both event attendees and promoters confidence in the city's ability to continue holding large events. 'With the opening of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, Ōtautahi Christchurch has the perfect opportunity to become the events capital of the country. This data shows our city has the capacity to welcome these large events in a balanced way, where we can enjoy both the excitement and economic benefits of events. It shows perceptions of accommodation price gouging are largely one-off, but also that our resident population are doing their share, hosting friends and family and showing them a good time while in the city.' What does this mean for Christchurch? The research showed a clear lift in accommodation pricing, demand, and occupancy across the year reviewed, demonstrating the positive impact events have on the accommodation sector. Fresh Info Managing Director Shane Vuletich says, 'This research is the first of its kind in New Zealand, and will support Christchurch in assessing periods of peak demand and accommodation surge in order to tailor timing for hosting major events. It should also give Christchurch and event promoters confidence that the city can cope with large volumes of visitors, and to future hotel investors that the Christchurch market will continue to perform well once One New Zealand Stadium opens.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ | ChristchurchNZ is the city's sustainable economic development and city profile agency. Our purpose is to stimulate sustainable economic growth for a more prosperous Christchurch.
Scoop
17-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Christchurch Has Plenty Of Beds For Visitors Drawn By Large Events
July 17, 2025: New research has confirmed there is enough commercial accommodation capacity in Christchurch city and the adjacent Waimakariri and Selwyn districts to host around 39,200 people per night. This is welcome news to the city, which is becoming more attractive to visitors and, with the forthcoming opening of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, to large event promoters. Electric Avenue 2025 generated 62,902 visitor nights with an average stay of 2.97 nights, and Supercars Championship which is confirmed for April 17-19, 2026, is projected to generate about 38,000 visitor nights across those three days. The research by Fresh Info was commissioned by ChristchurchNZ to help its understanding of the accommodation market in the city and its surrounds ahead of a bumper year of major events in 2026. ChristchurchNZ also bids or supports major events in the city, such as SailGP, Electric Avenue and Supercars Championship. Where are all these beds? Accommodation across Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri includes capacity for 6928 people in hotels, 4984 in motels, 1945 in backpackers, 8912 in holiday parks and hosted Bed and Breakfasts, and 16,435 in peer-to-peer accommodation such as AirBnB and holiday homes. Capacity in peer-to-peer accommodation is spread across 3863 unique listings in the region containing 9,839 beds. Christchurch city can accommodate around 32,000 people per night in commercial accommodation and the adjacent Waimakariri and Selwyn districts can accommodate around 7,200. How do large events impact hotel prices? The research also showed large events do impact hotel rates, although the average increases are well below the occasional highly priced hotel listing that makes headlines. Electric Avenue 2024 increased average hotel prices by $20-36 per night relative to one week before and after the event (excluding GST). SailGP 2024 increased average hotel prices by $48-69 per night by the same criteria and Electric Avenue 2025 increased average hotel prices by $69-71 per night. What about staying with friends or family? The research also indicated that Greater Christchurch residents are supporting friends and relatives who come to the region for a major event. For most events, about 60% stay in commercial accommodation with another 40% staying with a friend or relative in town. ChristchurchNZ General Manager of Destination and Attraction Loren Aberhart says the research findings should give both event attendees and promoters confidence in the city's ability to continue holding large events. 'With the opening of One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha, Ōtautahi Christchurch has the perfect opportunity to become the events capital of the country. This data shows our city has the capacity to welcome these large events in a balanced way, where we can enjoy both the excitement and economic benefits of events. It shows perceptions of accommodation price gouging are largely one-off, but also that our resident population are doing their share, hosting friends and family and showing them a good time while in the city.' What does this mean for Christchurch? The research showed a clear lift in accommodation pricing, demand, and occupancy across the year reviewed, demonstrating the positive impact events have on the accommodation sector. Fresh Info Managing Director Shane Vuletich says, 'This research is the first of its kind in New Zealand, and will support Christchurch in assessing periods of peak demand and accommodation surge in order to tailor timing for hosting major events. It should also give Christchurch and event promoters confidence that the city can cope with large volumes of visitors, and to future hotel investors that the Christchurch market will continue to perform well once One New Zealand Stadium opens.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ | ChristchurchNZ is the city's sustainable economic development and city profile agency. Our purpose is to stimulate sustainable economic growth for a more prosperous Christchurch.
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Launches Ambitious Aerospace Strategy
The Strategy builds on Canterburys unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. The Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy was launched today at the Wigram Airforce Museum, marking a milestone in the region's ambition to be a globally recognised centre of aerospace innovation. Developed by the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group – a coalition of leaders from the aerospace industry, tertiary institutions, and public agencies – the Strategy outlines a bold vision for Canterbury to become a global aerospace leader by 2035. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and collaboration, it sets a clear path to transform the sector into a $1 billion contributor to the regional economy. 'This Strategy is a uniting document that reflects the extraordinary potential of our region,' says Ali Adams, CEO of ChristchurchNZ and Chair of the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group. 'It showcases how Canterbury can lead the way in solving global challenges through aerospace – from climate monitoring to sustainable propulsion – while creating high-value jobs and driving innovation that benefits our people and our planet.' The Strategy builds on Canterbury's unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms – from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace and a member of the Leadership Group, says the sector has huge momentum. 'We're standing on the launchpad of something extraordinary. With this Strategy, we are saying to the world: Canterbury is open for aerospace innovation. This is a region where bold ideas take flight – supported by a community that's collaborative, future-focused, and committed to making a global impact.' A vision for 2035 The Strategy sets out ambitious targets for the next decade, including: • Growing the sector to more than $1 billion in economic impact regionally • Supporting more than 1,500 FTE jobs in aerospace across Canterbury • Achieving net-zero emissions for 50% of aerospace companies • Reaching 20% Māori and Pacific Peoples workforce representation • Positioning Canterbury as a hub for world-leading R&D and global investment 'By 2035, aerospace will be a cornerstone of Canterbury's prosperity,' says Adams. 'But this isn't just about growth – it's about building a future that's inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ: ChristchurchNZ is the city's sustainable economic development and city profile agency. Our purpose is to stimulate sustainable economic growth for a more prosperous Christchurch. Find out more at
Scoop
26-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury Launches Ambitious Aerospace Strategy
The Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy was launched today at the Wigram Airforce Museum, marking a milestone in the region's ambition to be a globally recognised centre of aerospace innovation. Developed by the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group – a coalition of leaders from the aerospace industry, tertiary institutions, and public agencies – the Strategy outlines a bold vision for Canterbury to become a global aerospace leader by 2035. With a focus on innovation, sustainability, workforce development, and collaboration, it sets a clear path to transform the sector into a $1 billion contributor to the regional economy. 'This Strategy is a uniting document that reflects the extraordinary potential of our region,' says Ali Adams, CEO of ChristchurchNZ and Chair of the Canterbury Aerospace Leadership Group. 'It showcases how Canterbury can lead the way in solving global challenges through aerospace – from climate monitoring to sustainable propulsion – while creating high-value jobs and driving innovation that benefits our people and our planet.' The Strategy builds on Canterbury's unique geographical advantages, established infrastructure, and active ecosystem of aerospace firms – from satellite technology and advanced aviation to autonomous systems and green fuels. Mark Rocket, CEO of Kea Aerospace and a member of the Leadership Group, says the sector has huge momentum. 'We're standing on the launchpad of something extraordinary. With this Strategy, we are saying to the world: Canterbury is open for aerospace innovation. This is a region where bold ideas take flight – supported by a community that's collaborative, future-focused, and committed to making a global impact.' A vision for 2035 The Strategy sets out ambitious targets for the next decade, including: • Growing the sector to more than $1 billion in economic impact regionally • Supporting more than 1,500 FTE jobs in aerospace across Canterbury • Achieving net-zero emissions for 50% of aerospace companies • Reaching 20% Māori and Pacific Peoples workforce representation • Positioning Canterbury as a hub for world-leading R&D and global investment 'By 2035, aerospace will be a cornerstone of Canterbury's prosperity,' says Adams. 'But this isn't just about growth – it's about building a future that's inclusive, sustainable, and driven by innovation.' ABOUT CHRISTCHURCHNZ:
NZ Herald
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- NZ Herald
Supercars locks in Taupō, adds Christchurch race at Ruapuna Raceway
'This is an incredibly exciting day for Supercars and for fans across New Zealand,' Supercars chief executive Shane Howard said. 'We've always wanted to race in the South Island, and thanks to the commitment of the New Zealand Government, ChristchurchNZ, Christchurch City Council and the incredible work of the Canterbury Car Club, that dream will become a reality from 2026,' Howard said. 'Christchurch is a motorsport city, and Ruapuna is a circuit with huge potential. 'This is a passionate community with a proud history, and we are thrilled to bring Supercars to the South Island for the first time. 'Since Supercars' first visit to New Zealand in 2001, more than 2.3 million fans have attended championship events across the country and we're thrilled to be bringing a second event to the country that makes up 20 per cent of our total audience. 'We know what Supercars means to New Zealanders. This is going to be a two-week celebration of Kiwi motorsport that will rival any on our calendar.' The addition of Ruapuna underscores Supercars' long-term commitment to New Zealand – currently home to five of the Championship's brightest stars and some of its most dedicated fans. Following a sell-out return to New Zealand in 2024 at Taupō Motorsport Park the 2025 event saw Kiwi Matt Payne win the coveted Jason Richards Memorial Trophy on home soil. Ruapuna Raceway will benefit from a multimillion-dollar upgrade ahead of the event, with a community-led vision to enhance sustainability, accessibility, and facilities, including track resurfacing and a rebuilt supporters' lounge.
