ChristchurchNZ is on a mission to help business event organisers create purposeful events with sustainability at their core.

Launched at MEETINGS 2023, ChristchurchNZ’s BE Purposeful awareness campaign, and website have been designed to provide ongoing resources and practical tools to support clients when planning their events.

ChristchurchNZ Head of Business Events Megan Crum says business events can play a massive role in transformative change and leave lasting legacies when planned with intention.

“New Zealanders and international visitors value our natural environment, and Christchurch city is making moves to become the most sustainable place possible – especially in its events and conferencing sector where our partners are invested in sustainability,” she says.

“As a new city, we are innovative, and the city has been redesigned to embrace purposeful business events.  We embrace welcoming visitors to our city through manaakitanga and our commitment to protecting our natural environment (kaitiakitanga).

“We can connect business event organisers to a wide range of suppliers who are passionate and purposeful,” Crum says.

Christchurch’s Business Events community works collaboratively to help event organisers source locally, lower waste, measure impact, and create socially inclusive and culturally diverse gatherings. Options for delegates giving back to the community include native tree planting, wildlife conservation, wetland restoration and building equipment for schools.

“We are encouraging planners to follow our lead and check the website for inspiration and practical advice on how to make their next events as purposeful, meaningful and sustainable as possible,” she says.

Edited by: Peter Needham at MEETINGS 2023 in Wellington, New Zealand

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