City economic ambition

The city’s economic strategy, the Christchurch Economic Ambition, is a North Star leading the city toward becoming a regenerative economy.

Ōtautahi Christchurch is ambitious. We want to grow our economy in ways that are good for business, people and the planet.

We want a future that’s based on a regenerative economy – where more carbon is eliminated than produced and there’s a focus on reusing, repairing and repurposing materials, rather than taking, making and disposing of them.

Part of this is changing how we act but that alone will not solve the world’s challenges. It will also take innovation — and leading the way with climate-positive innovations will bring prosperity.

Christchurch skyline at dusk

economic growth

Achieving our ambition

Achieving our ambition will take all of us and be a multi-generational journey.

Read the Ambition to learn how you can contribute to our future economic growth in a way that benefits all people and this beautiful place we call home.

Christchurch Economic Ambition
Download PDF (5.9 MB)

how we got here

Behind the ambition

We developed the Christchurch Economic Ambition on behalf of the Christchurch City Council. We talked with and listened to a wide range of businesses and organisations.

We looked at the evidence pointing to the benefits and importance of changing how our economy operates to address global, national and local challenges such as climate change and realise opportunities based on our local strengths.

To learn more about the research that underpins the Ambition, download and read the Evidence Base.

Economic Ambition Evidence base
Download PDF (4.7 MB)
Deloitte offices Christchurch.
Aerial shot of the Bridge of Remembrance.

get on board

Want to show support?

The Christchurch Economic Ambition is for all of Ōtautahi. These organisations support the Ambition and are committed to advancing it.

Want to show your support? Let’s talk!

Learn more
"Christchurch's new Economic Ambition sets out a great plan for supporting our city's economy in ways that are good for business, people, and the environment. I've run businesses in Christchurch and know that this is a great place to do business, and I love seeing my kids picking up the reins. But things have changed since I started out and we need to keep changing with it, whether that is because of climate change, international politics or new technology. As the economic powerhouse of the South Island, we're ambitious about the future and driving the changes we need to see so future generations continue to be able to live, work, play and invest in Christchurch."
Phil Mauger - Mayor, Christchurch

Economic Ambition monitoring

The dashboard belowshows trends across 10 key categories to measure how Christchurch is progressing towards its Economic Ambition goals.