ChristchurchNZ has launched ‘Made For It’, a major events and destination marketing campaign designed to increase visitation from Australia’s east coast. It celebrates the transformation of Ōtautahi Christchurch and showcases all the city has become, a place made for big moments, great events and good times.
Ahead of a landmark period for Christchurch, the campaign highlighted the city’s full pipeline of infrastructure delivery and upcoming events. This is anchored by the opening of the new 30,000-seat stadium One New Zealand Stadium in April when it hosts New Zealand’s first Super Round during the DHL Super Rugby Pacific season, the South Island’s inaugural Supercars event ITM Christchurch Super 440, and the first major concert at the new stadium, as well as a growing calendar of international events.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger said the campaign highlights why the city is the best place to be right now. “Christchurch has become a globally competitive city and sharing that with our Australian neighbours is an exciting moment. This campaign is about showing Australia, and the world, that Christchurch is open, ready and made for big events and incredible experiences.”
ChristchurchNZ acting general manager of visitor economy Steve Backe-Hansen said the campaign reflects a city that is no longer rebuilding but accelerating. “Ōtautahi Christchurch is ready to compete on the global stage and Made For It is about celebrating our city’s regeneration and readiness to welcome the world. We’ve already seen more and more people visiting our cool new city and now we’re ready to make 2026 a huge year for tourism and the thrills of major events.”
Targeted at Australia’s east coast and across New Zealand, ‘Made For It’ positioned Christchurch as a modern, accessible and high-energy destination, leveraging improved air connectivity, infrastructure and a growing reputation as New Zealand’s major events capital.
The campaign launched on January 19 and has been developed with flexibility and longevity in mind, allowing it to evolve over time and highlight different aspects of the city, seasons, events, and experiences.
The campaign attracted $500,000 from the Government’s contestable $10 million Events Boost Fund, enabling the campaign to extend into the Australian market specifically to help to drive visitation around Christchurch’s autumn events calendar.
