Purposeful business events

Discover how Christchurch makes responsible conference planning easy. Explore helpful resources, eco-friendly experiences and local partners committed to purposeful business events.

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Purposeful business events

Plan sustainable business events in Christchurch

Ōtautahi Christchurch is leading the way in delivering socially and environmentally responsible business events. From state-of-the-art venues to eco-conscious suppliers and unforgettable nature-based experiences, the city makes it easy for event organisers to plan with purpose. Whether you're hosting a conference, meeting or incentive programme, Christchurch offers support to help you deliver events that leave a positive impact, on attendees and the planet.

Resources to help you plan with purpose

Get inspired and informed with resources designed to support sustainable business event planning. These industry guides, tools and expert insights will help you create impactful events aligned with global best practices.

Tourism New Zealand guide

A practical guide designed to help conference organisers create events that leave a positive legacy for Aotearoa New Zealand.

Tourism New Zealand guide


The Iceberg

A global platform showcasing the impact of professional events. It reaches beyond tourism and economic benefits, highlighting how meetings contribute to factors such as research, innovation and community development.

The Iceberg

SKIFT MEETINGS guide

A report looking at what ‘impact’ really is, and how to ensure meetings and business events are catalysts for change. With insights from industry experts and relevant case studies, it is a helpful entry into creating more purposeful events.

SKIFT MEETINGS guide

Partner with sustainable businesses in Christchurch

Christchurch is home to a growing network of venues, caterers and suppliers committed to sustainability. Get to know some of ChristchurchNZ's partners who prioritise low-impact operations, waste reduction and socially responsible practices, making it easier to deliver events that reflect your values.

Christchurch Airport

Christchurch Airport is setting the standard for sustainable aviation. It has cut terminal energy use by 20%, powers aircraft with renewable electricity and runs a fully electric corporate fleet. Waste-wise, it diverts over 50% from landfill (aiming for 80%) and even turns unrecyclable plastic into road surfacing with PlastiPhalt®.

As the first airport globally to reach Level 4 Transformation in carbon accreditation, it’s net zero for Scope 1 and 2 emissions and targeting absolute zero by 2035. Awards and memberships back its leadership, including the Green Airports Recognition, Efficiency Champion, and the Climate Leaders Coalition.

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre

Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre is leading the way with innovation and impact. The venue runs on the latest technologies and renewable energy, uses a chemical-free e-water system and turns food waste into soil food. Through strong partnerships, it actively tracks and reduces event waste.

Certified Toitū net carbonzero and Enviromark Gold, Te Pae also holds Qualmark Gold Accreditation and won the 2023 Skål International Sustainable Tourism Award. Local sourcing and environmentally committed suppliers help further reduce their carbon footprint.

Venues Ōtautahi

Venues Ōtautahi is making sustainability part of every event. From reducing carbon across waste, water, energy, transport, and packaging, to using green building practices and recycled materials, their venues are built for impact.

A strong local sourcing policy keeps money in the region, while their new waste partnership achieved 80% landfill diversion during Super Rugby events, on track for even more in future. They're also working towards Toitū Enviro-Mark certification, showing commitment to measurable climate action.

Sudima Hotels

Sudima Hotels is driving real change in sustainable hospitality. They've joined the Toitū carbon reduce programme, signed the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and are actively phasing out single-use plastics to become a zero-waste business.

With a strong focus on responsible procurement and eco-conscious suppliers, Sudima tracks building emissions, uses environmental data to guide decisions and embeds sustainability into KPIs. Recognised by the NZEA Sustainable Events Working Group, they’re also championing industry-wide collaboration for a greener future.

Waka on the Avon

Bring your event to life with local experiences

From nature walks and river tours to conservation activities and local food tastings, Christchurch offers a range of eco-friendly, culturally rich experiences to help enrich your event and connect attendees with the region’s natural beauty and culture.

Check out some local businesses offering purposeful experiences.

Explore local tourism businesses

Create a positive impact beyond your event

Incorporate Corporate Social Responsibility (CRS) into your event by partnering with local initiatives that support the environment and community. Whether it’s volunteering, donations or legacy projects, Christchurch provides meaningful ways to give back and build lasting connections.

Check out these local initiatives you can partner with.

The Christchurch Foundation

The Christchurch Foundation's role is to make great Christchurch better by growing philanthropy. The team can work with conference organisers to implement a CSR component with outcomes that connect delegates to impactful work that will leave a lasting legacy in Ōtautahi.

Pōhatu Penguins

Located in Banks Peninsula just a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, Pōhatu Penguins is a family owned and operated eco-tourism business working to protect the environmental heritage of Pōhatu Bay, Banks Peninsula and the residents - the Kororā, Little Penguin. Pōhatu Penguins offers a range of activities onsite including penguin colony tours, native tree planting, building penguin houses and predator traps. Donations are also accepted and used towards their conservation work, your conference could even adopt and name your very own penguin!

Bead and Proceed

Bead & Proceed exists to educate and inspire action towards the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through creativity. Its three key workshop areas are: sustainability, creativity and leadership. The Impact Package is the ultimate experience for conferences, summits and large-scale events. The three-part experience includes a high-impact presentation from founder Bridget Williams, a creative session where delegates will paint a bead that represents the SDG they want to commit to, then the beads are used to create a stunning piece of artwork that captures the ethos of the conference.

Rānui House

Rānui House provides free accommodation for families needing to stay in Christchurch for life-saving medical treatment. Located near Christchurch Hospital, it offers a supportive home-away-from-home during difficult times. Rānui House presents a meaningful opportunity for partnerships. Event organisers and businesses can support Rānui through sponsorships, fundraising initiatives, or by integrating charitable giving into their event experiences, helping families who need critical support during hard times.

My Native Forest

My Native Forest helps businesses invest in native reforestation across Aotearoa, generating high-integrity carbon credits and biodiversity outcomes. It makes climate action simple by connecting companies with verified nature-based projects. Business events can partner with My Native Forest for impactful CSR, supporting local ecosystems, offsetting emissions, and contributing to long-term environmental restoration.

Case studies of events with purpose

A selection of case studies of conferences giving back to the community.

ChristchurchNZ Business Events stand

Contact

We’re here to help, get in touch today

If you need bespoke support planning your next conference or event in Ōtautahi Christchurch, contact our team of experts.

Contact our team