Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre celebrated in style last Thursday at their inaugural event, showcasing the Centre to clients, colleagues, suppliers and friends during a dinner to thank them for their support during the venue’s journey to opening.
During his opening speech, general manager Ross Steele said it was an exciting time for Ōtautahi Christchurch and an exciting time for the team at Te Pae Christchurch.
“While we have had a difficult start, this wonderful building is an asset for Christchurch which will provide opportunities for people to gather and exchange ideas, to come up with solutions that will better the world we live in, and all the while providing economic benefit for our city for at least the next 50 years. We have started that journey now and as we ramp up to capacity, we will see the benefits come to fruition.”
The first dinner in the Centre was a true taste of the Canterbury region with a menu featuring Akaroa Salmon, Pure South Silere lamb and a dessert designed to pay homage to the building’s facade and design inspiration – Canterbury’s braided rivers. Everything was sourced from within 80 kilometres of the Centre.
While the theme of the evening centered around the landscapes that influenced the Centre’s design, the evening also acknowledged the Centre’s cultural narrative, with cultural elements including a karakia and blessing of kai, as well as performances of traditional waiata.
Highlighting the local talent on offer in ≈åtautahi Christchurch, the evening’s entertainment featured a song written for Te Pae Christchurch by local musicians Dillastrate and a high energy dance performance organised by Epic Entertainment.
