Simon Thompson

Te Pae Christchurch
Simon is Manager, Strategy and Planning at Ōtākaro Limited, the Crown-company responsible for the construction and operation of Te Pae Christchurch, New Zealand’s newest large-scale convention centre.  Simon is leading the establishment of the Te Pae operations and business.

Simon has spent the past two years establishing the Te Pae business to ensure New Zealand’s second largest conventions and exhibitions facility is more than just a building and will meet the expectations of key Government and community stakeholders and the wider business, events, tourism and hospitality sectors.

Having held positions at Christchurch International Airport and Air New Zealand, Simon understands the importance of accessibility to the conventions and hospitality sector and the far-reaching benefits such events Conventions bring to a region.

A member of the Institute of Directors, Simon joined the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority in 2013 to be part of Christchurch’s regeneration.

 His time at both CERA and Ōtākaro has given him extensive experience in complex and significant commercial negotiations, strategic planning and feasibilities, and an appreciation for the need to build strong trust-based relationships.



Phone: 021 240 1218