Ōtautahi Christchurch came to life on stage at Christchurch Town Hall on June 14 to welcome guests to the first MEETINGS held in the city for 14 years.
MEETINGS 2022 event director Jen Henshaw says this year’s MEETINGS welcome function incorporated a warm reception from host city ≈åtautahi Christchurch for buyers, media, exhibitors and VIP guests.
“Guests were welcomed to the city at Christchurch Town Hall, a venue which never fails to bring a sense of excitement and occasion,” she says.
More than 650 people attended the spectacular welcome ceremony. Hon. Stuart Nash, New Zealand’s Minister for Tourism and Economic Development welcomed overseas guests to Aotearoa New Zealand, and they were welcomed to ≈åtautahi Christchurch by Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
This opening ceremony, hosted by ChristchurchNZ, began with a moving Mihi Whakatau (welcome speech) and Kapa Haka (performance) from Ngāi Tūāhuriri to welcome all attendees to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
The grand finale was a beautiful rendition of Dave Dobbin’s “Welcome Home” performed by Stella Maris, who was wearing a Harakeke (flax) woven dress, created by ≈åtautahi weavers Mihi Adams and Toni Rowe, depicting the intertwining of the city’s culture, heritage, community, and people.
“We know our guests enjoyed this chance to reconnect with familiar faces and make new connections, while experiencing the extraordinary kai (food) from around Waitaha, Canterbury.,” she says.
“Our thanks to Venues ≈åtautahi for hosting us at the stunning Town Hall, along with their award-winning catering, capturing the essence of Canterbury region’s food basket."
With styling by Kim Chan Events, Christchurch’s acclaimed bespoke floral design and full event theming company, the welcome function had a distinct South Island flavour.
Multi-Media created all the audio-visual and production elements for the cultural welcome ceremony, while Shipley’s produced the audio-visual for the welcome event.
The Production Agency, now with a new office in Christchurch, arranged superb local entertainment, along with Johnson and Laird who are behind the MC for the evening. The room was finished with table linen from Pacific Linen and furniture from Exhibition Hire.
BEIA chief executive Lisa Hopkins.
Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel.
Minister of Tourism Stuart Nash.
