Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has earned national recognition for its sustainability leadership by winning The Building Sustainability through People Award at the 2025 NZ HR Awards. This prestigious honour acknowledges the centre’s successful integration of sustainability principles throughout its operations and workplace culture.

The award highlights how Te Pae has aligned its sustainability initiatives with both Christchurch’s broader redevelopment vision and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. As one of New Zealand’s leading event venues, Te Pae has established itself as a global benchmark for sustainable event management, garnering both local and international praise.

A People-Centered Approach to Sustainability

What sets Te Pae Christchurch apart is its people-first strategy that actively involves employees across all organisational levels in environmental and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Vanessa McBean, Director of Human Resources, emphasises that sustainability fundamentally shapes the centre’s approach to human resources—influencing everything from their recruitment practices and training programs to team engagement strategies.

Te Pae Christchurch actively engages with the local community, ensuring that its sustainability commitment extends beyond the convention centre walls.

The organisation’s partnerships with local businesses, sustainability-focused events, and educational programs help promote a more sustainable social and economic ecosystem. Through collaborations with Christchurch-based organisations, Te Pae Christchurch supports eco-conscious tourism, waste reduction programs, and green energy solutions.

Recognising Excellence: Te Pae Christchurch’s Global Leadership in Sustainability

The NZ HR Awards judges praised Te Pae Christchurch for embedding sustainability into every facet of its workplace culture, reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable tourism and event management.

According to General Manager Ross Steele, this award reflects the dedication of the entire team, from HR professionals to sustainability champions, all of whom have contributed to making Te Pae Christchurch a model for responsible event venues worldwide.

Ross Steele stated: “This award recognises our team’s unwavering commitment to sustainability. Our focus on corporate social responsibility, green energy initiatives, and employee engagement ensures that sustainability remains central to our operations.”

Why This Award Matters for the Global Events Industry

The sustainable transformation of event venues like Te Pae Christchurch signals a major shift in the global events industry. As businesses, tourists, and governments prioritise sustainability, convention centres must adopt environmentally friendly practices to remain competitive.

Key takeaways from Te Pae Christchurch’s success:

• Green Event Spaces Are the Future: Corporate clients and event organisers actively seek venues that align with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals.
• Sustainability Attracts Talent: Younger generations value workplaces committed to climate action and ethical operations.
• Community Impact Matters: Successful sustainability programs extend beyond a company’s walls, benefiting local businesses, tourism, and environmental conservation efforts.

What’s Next for Te Pae Christchurch?

Following this award, Te Pae Christchurch aims to expand its sustainability initiatives further, ensuring that its operations remain at the forefront of global best practices in green event management.

The convention centre will continue investing in:

• Energy-efficient event solutions to minimise environmental impact
• Expanded training programs to deepen sustainability knowledge among staff
• Stronger community collaborations to advance Christchurch’s broader environmental goals

A Model for Sustainable Tourism and Events

Te Pae Christchurch’s recognition at the 2025 NZ HR Awards sets a new standard for sustainable event venues globally. By embedding sustainability into its people, operations, and community initiatives, the centre is shaping the future of responsible tourism and corporate event management.