Innovate Ōtautahi Attracts Over 9,000 People In First Year

Ali Adams, ChristchurchNZ CEO said the week was an absolute success and further elevated Christchurch’s status as a hub for innovation and purpose-led business. 

“The synergy between the three events really came to the fore during the week – we saw over 9,000 delegates, whānau, educators, exhibitors and speakers reap the benefits. The convergence of ideas, sectors and networks and the ability to showcase the brilliant innovation we have here in Christchurch and across New Zealand was a real ‘pinch me’ moment for the city and one we look forward to repeating in 2024,” said Adams.

The sold-out Canterbury Tech Summit set the scene for the rest of the week. World-class speakers included tech start-up veteran Rich Mironov on product waste and product management and Chair of Te Matarau – The Māori Tech Association, Elle Archer on using technology to unite us in creating a future where differences are celebrated.  

Louisa Taylor, General Manager at Canterbury Tech said the Summit brought a new level of connection to the well established and high-growth sector. 

“With over 800 attendees and a lengthy waitlist, the Canterbury Tech Summit, now in its 20th year, has become an annual event not to be missed. Connection and collaboration are at the heart of the Summit – as an industry we’re constantly changing and the Summit is a perfect way to keep abreast of the changes, hear from different perspectives and showcase the strength of the sector,” said Taylor. 

You can hear more from Louisa on the sector and the Summit on the NZ Tech Podcast. 

Over 8,000 people experienced first-hand the latest breakthrough tech at the 2023 Smart Christchurch Innovation Expo. Produced by Christchurch City Council’s Smart Christchurch programme the Expo featured 70 interactive exhibitions and 34 speakers. The family-friendly event provided an opportunity to inspire whānau and give businesses an opportunity to showcase their new technology and ideas.  

Michael Healy, Christchurch City Council’s Smart Christchurch Manager was thrilled with the event.  

“The 2023 Smart Christchurch Innovation Expo has blown the previous Expos out of the water. This edition brought the community to the decision-making table with our theme of change for good by embracing innovation across many industries that are important to New Zealanders. Both days brought exhibits, speaking sessions, demonstrations, and workshops to a free-to-attend audience of around 8,000. Ōtautahi Christchurch will be the next hub for innovation by enabling its people to inspire and be inspired,” said Healy. 

The second New Zealand Aerospace Summit brought the sector together around the theme of sustainability. New Zealand’s aerospace sector stands out globally for having a sustainability-led approach. Workshops and panel sessions on the first day provided a sound base for collaboration on projects and ways to continue to support the sector’s growth trajectory. Day two of the Summit inspired attendees with speakers on a huge range of topics from ethics, to the next generation to indigenous interest and leadership in aerospace and space. 

Victoria Harman Aerospace New Zealand Operations Manager said the Summit eclipsed the 2022 event with more than 500 in attendance.  

“We’re absolutely delighted with the Summit, the increase in size of the event from 2022 – both in terms of attendees and spanning the two days, speaks to the high growth of the sector and the degree to which it spans multiple industries – from aviation to manufacturing to transport. The atmosphere in Ōtautahi Christchurch, the heart of aerospace in New Zealand, was vibrant and welcoming. We can't wait to bring it back in 2024,” said Harman.