Meet our Sponsors
Host City
Christchurch City Council
The Christchurch City Council (CCC) is the local government authority for New Zealand’s second largest city, representing over 400,000 residents across Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.
Led by Mayor Phil Mauger the Council consists of the mayor and 16 elected councillors representing city wards, responsible for making decisions on behalf of the community.
The Council’s core role is to enable local democratic decision making and promote the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of the city, both now and into the future.
To achieve this, Christchurch City Council plans, funds, and delivers a wide range of essential public services and infrastructure, including:
- Transport and infrastructure: local roads, footpaths, traffic management and transport networks
- Water services: drinking water supply, wastewater and stormwater systems
- Waste management: rubbish collection, recycling and landfill operations
- Community facilities: libraries, recreation centres, swimming pools and community hubs
- Parks and environment: parks, reserves, sports fields, coastal areas and environmental management
- Arts and culture: museums, galleries and cultural programmes
- Regulatory services: dog registration, bylaws, compliance and planning
- Emergency and social support: civil defence and social housing services
Beyond service delivery, the Council also plays a strategic role by:
- Planning long term city growth and development through 10 year plans and policies
- Managing major capital projects such as transport upgrades and civic facilities
- Advocating for Christchurch with central government and partner agencies
- Supporting community wellbeing and economic development initiatives
Christchurch City Council is responsible for running the city’s day to day services, maintaining critical infrastructure, and shaping Christchurch’s future growth and resilience, while ensuring decisions reflect the needs and input of its communities.
Gold Sponsor
The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand
The Chinese Embassy in New Zealand remains committed to promoting the long-term and stable development of China-New Zealand friendly relations, continuously deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, and steadily expanding exchanges and cooperation across trade, education, culture, science and technology, and other fields. It serves as a bridge and driving force for enhancing mutual trust, expanding cooperation, and deepening people-to-people friendship between both sides.
Gold Sponsor
New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade acts in the world to build a safer, more prosperous, and more sustainable future for New Zealanders. We engage with countries, and with regional, international, and multilateral organisations to influence for outcomes that are aligned to New Zealand's values, and to protect
our enduring national interests.
We build connections with other countries and lead the diplomatic network, which represents New Zealand around the world. We provide the Government with specialist advice on foreign, trade, and development cooperation policy and are the Government’s primary adviser on international legal issues.
Silver Sponsor
Local Government New Zealand
Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ) is a membership organisation providing influence, connection and support for local government.
We represent councils in national discussions, engaging with decision makers on issues that shape communities and council responsibilities.
We bring councils together to find common ground on policy, funding, regulation and service delivery.
We strengthen capability across the sector through practical support, shared learning and professional development. Our networks and events connect local government leaders and create space to share insight and experience.
Supporting Sponsor
Christchurch Adelaide Sister City Committee
Christchurch and Adelaide became Sister Cities in 1972 and celebrated 50 years of partnership in 2022. Cooperation between Christchurch and Adelaide has involved a wide range of projects over the years, covering sporting, business, cultural and educational themes and also, in more recent times, exchange of best practice in disaster preparedness and urban development. The relationship is maintained by a Committee of volunteers who have a passion for maintaining the links between these two cities. Both cities were founded by companies set up in the United Kingdom in the mid 19th Century and their city centres have a gridded street structure surrounded by parklands.
Grant Funding
Asia New Zealand Foundation
The Asia New Zealand Foundation Te Whītau Tūhono is one of New Zealand’s leading providers of Asia insights and experiences. For more than 30 years, the Foundation has helped New Zealanders build knowledge, connections and understanding of Asia through programmes spanning business, entrepreneurship, media, research, arts, sport, diplomacy and young leadership. Led by a team of Asia specialists, the Foundation brings expert Asia perspectives to New Zealand audiences and provides opportunities for New Zealanders to engage with the region through internships, grants, residencies and curated delegations.
Email: asianz@asianz.org.nz | Website: www.asianz.org.nz
Lunch Sponsor
Embassy of Japan in New Zealand
The Embassy of Japan in New Zealand is committed to strengthening the close and enduring relationship between Japan and New Zealand. We promote political and economic cooperation, while supporting people-to-people connections and local government partnerships. Since 1970, Japan and New Zealand have established 44 sister-city relationships, the largest number involving any country in New Zealand. These partnerships play an important role in fostering mutual understanding, cultural exchange, friendship, and collaboration between communities. The Embassy continues to support these relationships and encourage new opportunities for cooperation, contributing to deeper connections between Japan and New Zealand.
Supporting Sponsor
Venues Ōtautahi
Venues Ōtautahi is New Zealand’s largest venue, event, and culinary service management company, with an experienced team dedicated to delivering seamless events. Whether you’re hosting an exhibition, corporate function, dinner, or concert, our world-class facilities offer spaces suited to events of every scale, all in the heart of Christchurch.
Venue Portfolio:
- One New Zealand Stadium – Now open!
- Christchurch Town Hall
- Wolfbrook Arena
- Air Force Museum of New Zealand
- Hagley Oval
Across all venues, our in-house chefs craft menus that celebrate the best produce from Waitaha, Canterbury.
Take your event to the next level with Venues Ōtautahi.
Bronze Sponsor
NZ China Council
VThe New Zealand China Council works to support a balanced and resilient relationship between New Zealand and China, recognising both opportunities and challenges. Our 25 members are New Zealand public and private sector leaders across government, trade and commerce, education, tourism, creative industries, scientific research, the Chinese community in Aotearoa and young professionals.
We publish research on bilateral issues; help commercial sectors, media and academics to connect with China; support high-level visits; and invite informed Chinese experts to visit New Zealand. Established in 2012, we are New Zealand led and New Zealand funded.
