Global Cities New Zealand
Conference 2026
New Frontiers
2 - 5 September | Ōtautahi Christchurch
Welcome to Global Cities NZ Conference 2026
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Sed non risus. Suspendisse lectus tortor, dignissim sit amet, adipiscing nec, ultricies sed, dolor. Cras elementum ultrices diam. Maecenas ligula massa, varius a, semper congue, euismod non, mi.
Proin porttitor, orci nec nonummy molestie, enim est eleifend mi, non fermentum diam nisl sit amet erat. Duis semper.
Duis arcu massa, scelerisque vitae, consequat in, pretium a, enim. Pellentesque congue. Ut in risus volutpat libero pharetra tempor. Cras vestibulum bibendum augue. Praesent egestas leo in pede. Praesent blandit odio eu enim. Pellentesque sed dui ut augue blandit sodales.
Grant Smith
2 - 5 September 2026
Ōtautahi Christchurch
Welcome to Ōtautahi Christchurch
Tēnā koutou katoa.
It’s a real pleasure to welcome you to Ōtautahi Christchurch for the Global Cities New Zealand Conference. We’re delighted to have you here and to share a city that has been shaped by challenge, creativity, and a strong sense of community over the past decade.
Your visit reflects the theme of this year’s conference, New Frontiers. Christchurch knows what it means to step into new territory: rebuilding after adversity, embracing innovation, and looking to the future with confidence and optimism.
Today, there’s so much to enjoy and explore. From the world‑class Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre to Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre and our beautiful Town Hall: Christchurch has been designed with people and connection in mind.
And with One New Zealand Stadium at Te Kaha now complete and taking pride of place in the heart of the city, Christchurch is quickly becoming the sporting and events capital of New Zealand.
This conference is a chance to have inspiring conversations, strengthen relationships, and consider what lies ahead for our cities in a rapidly changing world. Whether you’re catching up with familiar faces or meeting new ones, I hope your time here is inspiring and enjoyable.
Christchurch is a city with a deep sense of place, shaped by its people, its resilience, and commitment to progress. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about what comes next.
I wish you every success for the conference, and I encourage you to take advantage of the incredible sights, tastes, and experiences that our city has to offer.
Ngā mihi nui, and welcome to Ōtautahi Christchurch.
Mayor Phil Mauger
With thanks to our sponsors
