By Lisa Hopkins,
Cheif Executive
Business Events Industry Aotearoa
Lisa Hopkins is chief executive of Business Events Industry Aotearoa.
OPINION: When Prime Minister Christopher Luxon took aim at Tākina Wellington Convention & Exhibition Centre last week, he unknowingly targeted the heart of the business events industry.
As he quipped to the audience, “it’s very nice that politicians like us have another expensive room to deliver speeches in”, he missed the mark on the true purpose behind the construction of Tākina.
While his intent was to deliver a barb at local council spending, this wasn’t the best example. Tākina wasn’t built for political speeches; Tākina was built for something far more consequential.
Its existence is rooted in a deep understanding of the profound benefits that business events bring—not just to the local economy but to New Zealand's future as a knowledge-driven, progressive nation.
Before Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre opened in 2022, New Zealand's capacity to host large conferences was limited. That changed with the opening of this facility, which has already had a significant impact on the local economy. This week Christchurch announced more than 9000 conference delegates, injecting approximately $16 million in direct spending into the city.
This influx of visitors is not just a short-term boost; many of these delegates extend their stays, transforming from conference-goers into tourists, exploring regions like the West Coast, Kaikōura, and Hanmer. This ripple effect is crucial for spreading economic benefits across the country.
The numbers speak volumes: international delegate arrivals into New Zealand have surged by 57% compared to the previous year. Tourism New Zealand reports that conference attendees spend, on average, 40% more than regular tourists. These statistics underscore the undeniable economic advantages of business events, but the real value lies beyond mere numbers.
Business events are more than just economic drivers for the tourism and hospitality sectors. Yes, they fill hotel rooms and pack restaurants, but their contribution is far more significant. These events serve as catalysts for higher education, the dissemination of knowledge, research, and development. They provide platforms for pivotal change—social, economic, environmental, and community-driven. Moreover, the industry offers the government an innovative approach to governance, policy making, investment, and technological advancement.
Wellington is a prime example of the synergy between business events and economic development. The city boasts a rich array of assets, including multiple universities, research institutions, and direct access to policy makers. However, for a long time, it lacked one critical element—a convention centre to bring these resources together.
Recognising this gap, Wellington City Council (Tākina), the Crown through Rau Paenga Ltd (Te Pae), and SkyCity (NZICC set to open 2025) took action. Their efforts have resulted in the world's newest, most sustainable, and most modern Convention Centres, placing New Zealand in an enviable position.
Tākina was built efficiently, with 66% of Wellington's commercial ratepayers contributing to its costs. Its first event, the Australasian Psychological Conference, brought 500 specialists from across Australia and New Zealand, generating an estimated $1.5 million in economic impact for the city. Furthermore, these delegates, like many others, extended their stay in New Zealand, boosting tourism in other regions.
Following that, Business Events Industry Aotearoa hosted its annual trade show, Meetings, at Tākina, attracting over 800 attendees. The business exchanged during Meetings is projected to generate $167 million over the next five years - a clear testament to the power of having such a facility.
Despite current economic challenges and reduced business travel, Wellington has seen a rise in hotel occupancy and revenue per available room, particularly in May, thanks to conferences held at Tākina.
The convention centre's operations have also driven increased traffic through Wellington Airport, generating an additional 72,000 room nights in its first year alone.
The only cloud on the horizon is the noticeable reduction in government spending in attending, sponsoring, or hosting business events. However, the nature of securing large conferences and incentives is often a long-term strategy and speaks to the industry’s resilience.
The business events industry, including its purpose-built infrastructure, but more importantly, the people who work within it, embodies New Zealand's aspirations to be a modern, progressive nation that values knowledge, innovation, and global engagement.
This is not just any sector; it is a visionary one that sees the future clearly, and that future looks bright.
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