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Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre has again been recognised as Oceania’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre, winning the category at the 2026 World Travel Awards and becoming one of the few venues in the region to secure back-to-back titles.
The award, considered among the travel and tourism industry’s most prestigious accolades, is determined through voting by travel professionals, media and consumers worldwide. This win recognises Te Pae Christchurch’s contribution to positioning Christchurch as a premier destination for international conferences, meetings and business events. Winners were announced at the World Travel Awards Asia, Oceania & Indian Ocean Gala Ceremony at CROSSROADS, Maldives September 27.
Proudly managed by Legends Global, Te Pae Christchurch was proud to be nominated alongside fellow portfolio venues ICC Sydney, Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre and Cairns Convention Centre, among Oceania’s leading convention centres.
Ross Steele, general manager at Te Pae Christchurch, says “it is an honour to represent the Canterbury region and Aotearoa New Zealand on the international stage and to be recognised alongside some of the most respected convention centres in Oceania,”
“Winning this award for the second consecutive year reflects not only the dedication of our team, but also the strength of the wider visitor economy, tourism and business events sectors working together to deliver world-class experiences for international delegates.”
Since opening in the heart of Christchurch in May 2022, Te Pae Christchurch has hosted more than 980 events attended by over 447,000 local, national and international visitors. Located in New Zealand’s South Island, the convention centre, purpose-built and owned by Crown Infrastructure Delivery, has become a leading destination for international conferences seeking meaningful connections with local communities, industry leaders, researchers and innovators in a safe, accessible and attractive setting.
“Beyond its significant economic contributions, Te Pae Christchurch plays an important role in connecting international visitors with the people, culture and stories of New Zealand,” says Ross. “From authentic Māori cultural experiences and world-leading sustainability initiatives to academic collaboration and industry innovation, Te Pae Christchurch creates opportunities for visitors to engage in ways that are meaningful, memorable and uniquely local.”
This latest accolade adds to a growing list of international achievements, with Te Pae Christchurch also recognised among the Top 50 Convention Centres Worldwide (TTW 2026). The venue has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 20% since opening in 2022, achieving annual re-certification by Toitū Envirocare for Net Carbon Zero operations and Enviromark Gold status, while also securing Qualmark Gold re-certification in recognition of its commitment to sustainability, accessibility, and exceptional visitor experiences.
“Special recognition belongs to our exceptional team, whose dedication to service excellence, accessibility, inclusion and sustainability has helped establish Te Pae Christchurch as a world-class venue.”
“We would like to thank our industry partners, event organisers and clients who choose Te Pae Christchurch to host events that bring together global leaders, researchers, businesses and communities,” says Ross.
For more information about the World Travel Awards, visit www.worldtravelawards.com
