Christchurch-hosted Adaptation Futures 2025 has been named New Zealand’s Business Event of the Year at the New Zealand Event Awards.
The flagship conference of the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme brought around 2,000 delegates from 99 countries to Christchurch and generated an estimated $2.5 million in visitor expenditure.
Held across Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre, Christchurch Town Hall and locations throughout the city, the conference featured more than 200 sessions over four days, focused on advancing inclusive climate adaptation.
ChristchurchNZ general manager of visitor economy Anne Newman says the award reflects the collaborative effort behind the event and its wider legacy.
“We place huge value on business events in Christchurch, particularly those that align with our city’s Economic Ambition and long-term priorities, as Adaptation Futures did.
‘Alongside the significant economic benefits, conferences like this leave a lasting legacy through new partnerships, knowledge sharing and innovation.”
The conference was hosted by the University of Canterbury with support from Ngāi Tahu, Tourism New Zealand, The Conference Company and Te Pae Christchurch.
Its legacy initiatives include the International Indigenous Adaptation Network, aimed at strengthening access to climate adaptation funding for Indigenous communities, and the Ōtautahi Christchurch Adaptation Challenge.
The challenge invited participants to develop solutions addressing flooding, stormwater management, sea-level rise and heat resilience, with the “To Berm and Beyond” rain garden initiative selected as the winning proposal.
Tourism New Zealand global manager business events and event partnerships Penelope Ryan says the organisation provided strategic funding and support through its Conference Assistance Programme to help secure the event.
“Beyond a great event experience, Adaptation Futures delivered in bringing new visitors, knowledge and connections to New Zealand.”
