THE CANTERBURY REPORT - Connected city Work-life balance opportunities Visitor economy - Canterbury Development Corporation
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WINTER 2017
THE
CANTERBURY
REPORT
Connected city
Work-life balance
opportunities
Visitor economy
Vibrant Innovation
Precinct
PREPARED BY CANTERBURY DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
CONTENTS
01 Message from the Chief Executive
02 The State of Play – Key economic indicators
04 A city of opportunity
7
07 Christchurch: where business and
work-life balance meet
08 Equipped for the future
10 Visitors important economic contributor
11 Hassle-free Tours
12 Christchurch Innovation Precinct
a hub for growth
15 Products created from pest didymo
16 A change in direction
12
18 Giving back through mentoring
19 Entrepreneurs choose Christchurch
20 A lasting legacy
Information included in this issue of The Canterbury
Report was accurate at the time of print. Sources
20
include: Statistics New Zealand; Infometrics Ltd and
Canterbury Development Corporation.
Front Cover:
The annual Christchurch Lantern Festival is a
celebration of culture, business, entertainment
and diversity.
FROM THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE
Realising our
potential Tom Hooper (far left) with Prime Minister
Bill English (centre) and EPIC tenants
The story of high levels of activity in of these sectors require a strong city Bureau, Council’s Major Events team and
the city with easing GDP growth figures profile and amenity offering in order to the International Education project team
as the rebuild peaks and plateaus will attract tourists and international students is very timely. The city will benefit from
continue for another year or two. to our city. the combined forces of these groups
As you travel around the city, The $40 billion rebuild is developing a working together as ChristchurchNZ.
especially the CBD, there is clear platform for Christchurch to position itself So this is the last edition of The
evidence of significant investment and to the world as a city of opportunity, a city Canterbury Report from CDC.
development. This activity is driving equipped for the future where you can
Future editions will be developed and
growth of approximately 2 per cent in realise your potential. This edition of The
presented by ChristchurchNZ, the
the underlying economy (non-rebuild Canterbury Report showcases success
stories emerging for the visitor economy new agency responsible for tourism,
economy) which makes up about 90 per
in particular, alongside other parts of economic development, major events
cent of our current economy. Growth
the economy. and international education.
in the underlying economy is still
creating new jobs and driving activity in The evidence is clear that cities with strong
manufacturing and the services sector. profiles attract and retain more people and
However, the hard work isn’t over. business, and people who visit and enjoy a
city are more likely to migrate there if they
The sectors affected the most by the
are looking to relocate.
earthquake disruption – tourism and
Tom Hooper
international education – are still in The merger of Canterbury Development
recovery mode (although they have Corporation with Christchurch & Chief Executive
excellent growth levels currently). Both Canterbury Tourism, the Convention Canterbury Development Corporation
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 1
THE STATE OF PLAY
THE STATE
Key economic indicators
Christchurch and Canterbury’s economies continue to show positive signs, as they remain
in transition between earthquake recovery and business-as-usual. Construction activity
is starting to ease off to a sustained plateau, however labour market indicators continue
to show a tight labour market, while economic activity remains at a very high level.
OF PLAY
Labour Performance of
76
Market Manufacturing and
74 Unemployment in the city and region Services
is moving closer to the national
Both the manufacturing and service
72 average. In the March 2017 quarter,
the unemployment rate in Christchurch sectors performance indicators show the
70 was 4.9 percent, just below the national sectors have been expanding in 2017.
average of 5.2 percent. Workforce The BNZ-BusinessNZ Performance of
68 participation remains at a very high level, Manufacturing Index for Canterbury
with 73.0 percent of the population aged recorded 55.5 in the March 2017 quarter,
66 15 years or older in work or looking for and has remained above the expansion/
work, ahead of the national average of contraction mark of 50 since late 2012
64 71.0 percent. Average weekly earnings
on a quarterly basis. The Performance of
in the region continue to grow, but
62 more slowly than the national average. Services Index for Canterbury/Westland
Canterbury earnings grew 1.4 percent recorded 56.8 in the March quarter,
60 to $957.61 while national earnings grew continuing an expansionary run since
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2.3 percent to $999.00. late 2013 on a quarterly basis.
Christchurch Canterbury New Zealand
Canterbury Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
Annual Average Percent Change
Source: Statistics New Zealand, Infometrics, CDC
6%
4%
2%
0%
“$131 million of new
Jun 07
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developments were
-2%
consented in March
2017, representing
-4% a solid forward-
order book for the
-6% Christchurch Canterbury New Zealand construction industry”
2 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017
GDP affected forward bookings for January and experiencing very strong price and rent
February. Growth in visitors from China growth earlier in the decade.
eased this summer, both in Canterbury
Gross Domestic Product (GDP) remains and New Zealand overall. It has also been
at a very high level and continues to a weak summer for domestic tourism, Construction
grow, albeit at a modest rate compared locally and nationally.
o recent highs. Estimates from Infometrics
indicate that GDP in Christchurch grew Residential building consents, a forward
by 1.8 percent in the year to December Housing indicator of housing supply, have fallen
2016, reaching $19.3 billion. Canterbury by 15 percent on average over the past
grew by 1.4 percent, reaching $28.4 House prices and rents in Christchurch year in Christchurch. Nonetheless with
billion. The national economy is buoyant, and Canterbury remain subdued 302 new dwellings consented in March
growing 3.2 percent over the same relative to New Zealand overall, and 2017, supply is still strong and will
period. Growth in the year to September new construction remains very strong. continue to suppress house price growth
2016 was similar for all three areas. Christchurch house prices have grown throughout 2017. Turning to commercial
by 3.4 percent on average over the buildings, $131 million of new
past year, compared to 2.6 percent developments were consented in March
Visitors for Canterbury and 9.5 percent
2017, representing a solid forward-order
nationally. Rents in Christchurch and
book for the construction industry. Major
Canterbury have continued a falling
The visitor sector has been through a trend – dropping by 5.2 percent and 3.9 commercial construction projects yet to
subdued summer season. Disruption percent respectively while New Zealand be consented include the East Frame
and negative publicity from the Kaikoura rents grew 4.6 percent. Christchurch residential project, Metro Sports Centre
earthquakes in November will have missed the Auckland housing contagion, and Christchurch Convention Centre.
Labour Force Participation Rate
Percent working age population in labour force
Source: Statistics New Zealand HLFS
76
74
72
70
68
66
64
62
60
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Christchurch Canterbury New Zealand
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 3
CITY FEATURE
A city of opportunity
Christchurch’s population has hit
pre-earthquake levels. Its reputation
as a city of opportunity is continuing
to drive migration and relocation.
Both overseas immigrants and those
from other New Zealand centres are
choosing Christchurch as home, with its
population increasing by 1.9 percent in
the past year and now sitting at 374,900,
back at 2010 levels.
Canterbury Development Corporation
Chief Executive Tom Hooper says
Christchurch is in an exciting position,
as it rebuilt and reinvented itself after
the earthquakes.
“This truly is a city of opportunity
for entrepreneurs, business people,
investors and developers. In The BNZ courtyard is a hub of activity as office workers, tourists and locals explore the central city
Christchurch, there is the freedom
to grow new ideas. It is a hub for
learning and development.
The opportunity to grow
“There is also the chance to make
One Christchurch-based company now clients across Australasia.
real connections – to each other, well established in overseas markets is
the rest of the country and globally. human resource software company Pivot, Philippa said Christchurch was a good
We are big enough to make these which formed in 2001. city to be based in and grow from.
global connections, while keeping a
community spirit and working together Managing Director Philippa Youngman “It’s easy to get to Australia. How we
collaboratively.” said the foray into Australia started do things from a people management
with a handshake with a small market perspective is similar and it is amazing
Tom said one of the biggest drawcards remuneration consultancy based in how many Kiwis we meet within the
to Christchurch was the work-life balance Sydney. The consultancy was acquired by sales process.”
it offered to residents. Hewitt Associates and then by AON, who
have been a partner since 2007. Pivot She said it wasn’t hard to attract the
“Where else in the world can you be in right people.
entered the Australian market directly in
a modern city and yet have nature in all
2009 once it had a proven track record
its forms – from mountains to lakes to “A couple of the team have moved back
and glowing client references.
rivers – on your back doorstep? When to Christchurch specifically after being
this rebuild is complete Christchurch will A similar process is now underway in India, recruited or we have had people join
be New Zealand’s most pedestrian and partnering with AON to create a presence in after arriving back from overseas with
cycle friendly city, offering interesting this market where the unique requirements great experience.”
and challenging work opportunities relating to remuneration management
alongside great outdoor recreation can be handled effortlessly within Pivot’s Future business goals are to realise the
and a vibrant Central City.” specialised configurable solutions. huge potential within the company’s
existing markets, as well as choosing
He said the population will continue to Pivot also recently announced a merger another beachhead in either the
grow as the rebuild progresses and the with Australian-based company Remesys, United States or Canada or the
new identity becomes more of a reality. with the business now boasting over 120 United Kingdom.
4 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017
Lauren Merritt (left) from the Ministry of Awesome helps entrepreneurs try out new ideas
The opportunity to connect on Facebook and has between 70 to entrepreneur’s capacity to try out other
100 people showing up each time. ideas they might have in the future. Some
Christchurch is the place to try out They know it is a place to go to make may realise the journey is not for them,
new ideas because of the support and connections,” she said. while others realise their idea isn’t viable
connections available to start-ups and but the next one they have could be.”
businesses looking to expand. Ministry of Awesome is a major connector.
In the last 18 months, around 400 Lauren said Ministry of Awesome’s five
Lauren Merritt, who has been Chief entrepreneurs have been through its start- full-time staff spend a lot of time making
Awesome Officer at the Ministry of up activator programme which provides sure they know what support is available
Awesome for the last three years, said tailored support to talk through early-stage to start-ups so they can point people in
the start-up ecosystem has developed ideas, a place to share tools and resources the right direction.
well in the city with people taking and a way to make the right connections
advantage of events where they can to transform ideas into reality. Ministry of Awesome also wants to make
connect and grow. information accessible, implementing
“We focus on the entrepreneur, not digital resource the Canterbury
“We hold a coffee and jam event just the idea. That idea might not Innovation Ecosystem Map so start-ups
weekly that is generally only marketed work out but we want to develop the can make their own connections.
Continued on page 6
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 5
“For somebody who
likes the outdoors
and mountain
The opportunity for balance He admits his work is busy and having
places to go mountain biking on his biking, Christchurch
back doorstep makes it more achievable.
Christchurch is the perfect spot for outdoor
He appreciates first-hand the work-life
is the place to be.
enthusiasts to find balance alongside work
commitments according to business owner balance the city can provide to residents. We live in Sumner
and immigrant Philipp Schacht.
“For somebody who likes the outdoors and the access to
Philipp, who moved to Christchurch and mountain biking, Christchurch is the the ocean and hills
place to be. We live in Sumner and the
with his wife, two children and dog
access to the ocean and hills is amazing. is amazing.”
from Germany in 2009, is the founder
And the Port Hills are phenomenal.”
and managing director of Revbox – – Philipp Schacht,
an innovative stationary bicycle trainer Revbox is seeking investors or additional Founder and Managing Director
used by the likes of Commonwealth and funding to progress even further. They of Revbox
World Title medallist Linda Villumsen have new products being launched this
and the Lotto-Soudal UCI Pro World year and are looking to build distribution
Tour Team from Belgium. channels with other international centres.
Philipp Schacht, originally from Germany, appreciates the work-life balance in Christchurch
6 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017
BUSINESS FEATURE
Christchurch: where
business and work-life
balance meet Amar and Shobha Verma were drawn to the
Amar Verma, local tech entrepreneur healthy lifestyle offered in Christchurch
Successful technopreneur Amar Verma The couple started operating ICT company Future goals will be analysed in greater
has never looked back since moving to DataGenius in mid-2014. In less than three detail while the business takes part in
Christchurch four years ago from New York. years of operation, the company has a the 2017 Hi Growth Launch Programme,
strong export oriented consulting base run by Canterbury Development
Amar and his wife Shobha, originally and provides custom software solutions
from India, knew little about the city Corporation. The programme provides
to global clients including Inc1000 and
before coming here in 2013 but are owners and senior managers with
Fortune 5000 companies.
thrilled they have been able to establish guidance on essential topics focused
a growing business, DataGenius, while The business goal is to become more on growth in the fast-changing business
enjoying the great outdoors. product oriented, with a new Verifone world and practical mentoring from
certified Point of Sale system, POSLee, some of New Zealand’s most successful
They also continue to successfully lead
having already been successfully business people and entrepreneurs.
a software development centre back in
India with over 150 staff. developed and launched. Callaghan
Innovation also granted Getting Started “We want to take DataGenius beyond
“New Zealand always rates well in the funding in January 2016 for a mobility NZ$1.5 million mark by March 2018,
annual World Happiness Report. We product, with a development grant and so far the company is tracking
wanted a friendly nation where our kids having been approved in principle pretty well,” Amar said.
can get the best education and also recently so work can begin.
experience diversity. I was fed up with He hopes other benefits of the
my fast-paced work life in the United “Products made up 12 percent of our
revenue last year and we expect that to programme will be an introduction to
States and wanted a healthy lifestyle with
grow to 25-30 percent this year. Next the export ecosystem between New
enough time to exercise every day in a
pollution free environment and to enjoy year that will grow to 50 percent and will Zealand and San Francisco/Los Angeles
great business growth with lots of time start to outpace the consulting side of and introductions to possible investors
for family,” he said. the company,” Amar said. for product development.
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 7
CITY FEATURE
Equipped for the future
Christchurch City Council be looking forward to creating more
memories in the restored building.
progress via a time lapse camera at
www.ccc.govt.nz in “The Rebuild” section.
is making progress
“And the new Central Library will be
with major rebuild and much more than a library. It will be a
Lichfield Street
restoration projects in place where people of all ages will
Car Park
be able to immerse themselves in
the central city. new spaces, digital technology and The Council is due to open the first
programmes not found in traditional stage of the Lichfield Street Car Park in
Mayor Lianne Dalziel says plenty of
libraries,” Mayor Dalziel says. September this year, making about 400
progress is being made on the Lichfield
Street Car Park, which will be open later parking spaces available.
this year, and the Town Hall and Central
Library sites. “These facilities are on Eventually, the $28 million building on
track to be completed this year or next Town Hall the site between Lichfield and Cashel
and will bring more people into the Streets will have 804 parking spaces and
central city,” she says. The Town Hall restoration in Kilmore Street 953m2 of retail space.
is on track to be completed by mid-2018.
“The new Lichfield Street Car Park The original building was demolished
will support the development of the As part of a three-year conservation project, after being badly damaged in the
Retail Precinct. the Town Hall’s auditorium, entrance foyer, February 22, 2011 earthquake.
James Hay Theatre and the Limes Room
“The Town Hall is one of the city’s most are being restored. The former Boaters The Lichfield Street parking building is
treasured civic buildings. Many people restaurant is also being rebuilt. a key part of the Christchurch Central
can remember watching a performance Parking Plan, which lays out the Council’s
or graduating there and will no doubt The public can watch construction parking strategy for the city centre.
The Central Library, artist’s impression
8 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017Central
Library
Construction of the new Central Library
is well underway and it is due to open
in mid-2018 as planned. Farmers Market intended for the existing Re:Start site
The 9850m2 library is being built on
the corner of Gloucester Street and the market, meaning it will become a become a tree-lined boulevard, and
Cathedral Square. staple lunch time destination and the improvements to Durham Street.”
place to get fresh food on the way home.
Construction of the library’s steel structure Work is underway on three key ‘vertical’
is underway and Council staff are currently Peebles Group has been involved in construction projects. Fletcher Living
focusing on developing the services several other central city projects. has begun work on the first East Frame
that will be available at the 21st century residences. Earth works are nearing
knowledge centre. They are working with “It’s great to be part of the momentum. completion for the Convention Centre
partners, Spark, TSB and Southbase on The CBD is going to be far more densely
and the Metro Sports Facility.
exciting new programmes for library users. populated compared to pre-quake, which
is going to make everything a lot more “We’re also continuing to make good
lively and active,” Richard said. progress with the Avon River Precinct.
Farmers Market for “There are still hurdles to be crossed
We’re currently building a key section
Re:Start Mall site of the City Promenade along Oxford
but I have great confidence in the city.”
Terrace between Cashel Mall and
Construction of a high-end retail Christchurch Hospital.”
The Farmers Market development is
development on the site of the Re:Start
planned to open in Summer 2018.
Mall – including a Farmers Market, Mr Brantley said these are key projects
restaurants, food stalls and retail shops for locals and visitors to Christchurch alike.
– will begin early next year.
A year of progress for “We continue to look for ways to
The development by Peebles Group is Crown-led anchor project accelerate our works to minimise
going to become a hub for events in the city. inconvenience and remove as many of
The central city rebuild is making visible
the ever-present construction cones from
Investor Richard Peebles has wanted to progress during 2017, as anchor projects
the city streets as we can.”
create a Farmers Market in the city for a and commercial developments ramp up.
long time, but finding the right location is also responsible for divesting
was difficult until the Re:Start site and Limited Chief Executive Albert
Brantley said most crown-led projects Crown land that is not required for
surrounding land became available
are now either in construction or nearing anchor projects.
through .
the building phases.
“In selling these parcels of land, we
“The way I see it, there is nothing else
“We completed the Canterbury balance the need to acquire commercial
in the city that’ll attract people like a
Earthquake National Memorial in February. outcomes with good regeneration
market,” Richard said.
The feedback from those who lost loved outcomes. We have just one opportunity
The Farmers Market will house around ones and others impacted by the quakes to get this right for Christchurch.
30 ‘ready to eat’ vendors and 45 stalls has been very positive,” he said.
“Our sale of land for the new Farmers
offering produce, baked goods and
flowers. There will be a roof top outdoor “By early next year we will have Market at the western end of Cashel
area and a large internal seating floor completed another four projects with Mall, and for the Hoyts Cinema Complex
above the market. the restoration of Victoria Square, the adjacent to the Bus Interchange and the
East Frame public space, the third Retail Precinct, are good examples of
Richard said there will be around 16,000 largest park in central Christchurch, trying to get that balance right,”
people working within a small radius of the widening of Manchester Street to Mr Brantley said.
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 9VISITOR FEATURE
Visitors
important
economic
contributor
Visitor spending in
Canterbury is increasing
every month, making it
an important part of the
region’s economic growth.
Visitors spent $3.3 billion in Canterbury
in the year to January 2017, up five
percent on the previous year. Statistics
show that figure is increasing month
on month, with tourism currently the
country’s top export earner.
Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism Chief
Executive Vic Allen said the amount of
money being spent by visitors in the last
12 months exceeded pre-earthquake levels.
“The objective for the city now is to
get our pre-earthquake national market
share back by 2025.”
Central city shops and attractions are reopening, including the Avon River redevelopment
Vic said having the Convention Centre
operating by 2020 will be critical in
helping tourism operators build business 500,688, just below the pre-earthquake pre-earthquake figure on 3.3 million.
in the off-season as delegates support (2010) figure of 519,204. Total
local accommodation and hospitality international visitor arrivals into New Vic said visitor accommodation capacity
suppliers and also look for pre and post Zealand also grew by 11 percent from in the city was adequate, although it was
touring opportunities. good to see hotels such as the former
2015 to 2016.
Millennium Hotel building on Cathedral
“We need those conventions and The number of visitors staying in the Square being refitted to become the 4.5
conferences back in the city during the region is on the increase as well, with star Distinction Christchurch and a former
winter months. And, of course, a big part of office block being converted to a new
guest nights in Canterbury growing
visitor spend is in retail, so it’s great to see Crowne Plaza opposite Victoria Square.
4.9 percent in the past year and bringing
more shops re-opening in the central city.”
them back to the pre-earthquake (2010) “These hotels will be needed as more
International visitor arrivals into level of 5.1 million for the year to and more visitors continue to come
Christchurch airport grew 11 percent November. Christchurch guest nights back. They will also provide additional
from 2015 to 2016. The total number of grew by 3.4 percent, reaching 2.7 facilities for smaller conferences to be
international visitor arrivals in 2016 was million per year but still short of the held in the city too – so it’s a win win.”
10 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017VISITOR FEATURE
Hassle-free Tours
Sticking out the tough times is paying off for tourism operators
Mark and Nikki Gilbert.
The couple, who started Hassle-free “At the end of the 2011/2012 financial “It’s been another tough season but
Tours in 2003 with just themselves and year we were 60 percent down on the profitability and numbers are getting better.”
one vehicle, now employ 35 staff during previous year. We carried big losses for
the first couple of years. But I’ve always Mark expects things to improve even
the peak tourism season and have a
been a “glass half full” kind of guy and more when the Convention Centre and
fleet of 14 vehicles operating day tours other anchor projects are completed.
throughout Christchurch and Canterbury. prefer to look at the positives, not
Pre-earthquake they employed 15 staff the negatives,” Mark said. “Tourism is at an in-between stage at
and had seven vehicles. the moment as the city rebuilds. The
“I just thought if we could get through
biggest challenge for us is the winter; it
this bad point, that the future would be
The fleet includes five classic 1960s London is hard. There are fewer people around
brighter. We had a choice to either shut
double decker (open and closed top) buses the city and no big conference business
down or downsize or look at expanding
and unique six-wheeler land cruisers. like there used to be. The Convention
the business and tap into different
Centre is vital.
markets like the cruise ships.”
It hasn’t been an easy ride. In the month
after the February 2011 earthquake “Of course, once the city is rebuilt it
The past summer season has also been will be a real draw card. It’s going to be
they didn’t have any business and their challenging, with the Kaikoura earthquake pedestrian and cycle friendly, green and
city tours had to be shut down until the impacting on day tours as well as the modern,” he said.
following summer as overseas tourists TranzAlpine passenger service being
kept away. out of service. hasslefreetours.co.nz
Hassle-free Tours offers trips to stunning locations throughout Christchurch and Canterbury
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 11INNOVATION PRECINCT FEATURE
Christchurch
Innovation Precinct
a hub for growth GreenHouse collaborative hub
is located at the heart of the
Christchurch Innovation Precinct
Christchurch’s Innovation Precinct that has been bringing business people, lead to shared ideas and partnership
is bringing people and businesses gamers and tourists out to try their skills opportunities. A tenancy group has
together in the heart of the central city or the regular Ministry of Awesome been formed to develop the community
as the vibrant anchor project continues ‘coffee and jam’ sessions held in EPIC and find new ways to enable people to
to build momentum. every Tuesday. participate and collaborate.
A diverse mix of businesses and “This is Christchurch’s innovation Tom said there is easy access to
innovators, ranging from start-ups to ecosystem in action. The connections infrastructure and support services
large corporates and multinationals, are and collaborations within this community
important to growing and developing
located within the precinct. Alongside provide valuable support to assist
businesses, such as networking events
these are retail, hospitality and tertiary business growth. This is a business
institutions – all adding to its vibrancy community that encourages idea and business mentoring services.
and success. generation and sharing and transforms
“This is all vital to growing our city’s
creative ideas into market leading goods
Canterbury Development Corporation economy and ensuring that businesses
and services,” he said.
Chief Executive Tom Hooper said survive. There must be innovation so
everyday something exciting is Knowledge intensive companies are today’s experts can keep ahead of the
happening, such as the giant outdoor linked through networks, events, accelerating technological change and
arcade game on the Vodafone building shared spaces and close proximity that continue to succeed.”
12 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017“There must be
innovation so
today’s experts
Ministry of the alliance to get advice, mentorship can keep ahead
Awesome or find partner organisations to grow. of the accelerating
Ministry of Awesome has started a new technological
accelerator course targeting secondary
school students in its bid to create a SIGNAL ICT change and continue
thriving, connected and activated city. Grad School to succeed.”
Lab5 is a five-day hyper accelerator SIGNAL – the new ICT Grad School – – Tom Hooper,
course launched this year, with 120 Year has opened in the Christchurch Canterbury Development
10 students taking part at Awesome Innovation Precinct. Corporation Chief Executive
HQ on St Asaph Street. Students are
The Educate programme helps teachers
encouraged to come up with a problem
develop their knowledge and skills to
they are passionate about, find a
teach Digital Technologies, particularly
solution and then pitch their concept to
computer science curriculum and
the community, family and friends. computer programming. “For us, the new premises means
a greater ability to bring together
The course teaches students about Lecturer Tim Bell, a professor at the and support exciting and innovative
business skills required to make a social University of Canterbury and SIGNAL’s businesses in a collaborative
impact in a fun, hands-on way, preparing Educate Programme Director, said environment. We can’t wait to see the
them for their working future. participants were from around the precinct continue to develop and thrive.”
country. The programme, which runs for
The course fits in with Ministry of
a year, involves mainly distance learning It is an approach that is working for
Awesome’s Start-Up Activation
while they can continue working. companies like Traverse and Orbica, who
Programme, which is funded with
chose BizDojo in the Innovation Precinct as
support from Canterbury Development “The industry visit component gives the space to intentionally grow a culture of
Corporation, where entrepreneurs are teachers a vision of what they are collaboration and innovation together.
supported in the very early stages of preparing their students for. Many
their business or project development. teachers may not have actually worked in
the industry and can be surprised at the
skills needed and how diversity is valued Vodafone
EPIC out there by businesses.” xone
Innovation SIGNAL is a partnership between Vodafone xone is an Innovation Lab and
Ara Institute of Canterbury, Startup Accelerator helping to bring the
EPIC Innovation and Ministry of
Lincoln University, Otago Polytechnic, best startup and corporate ideas global.
Awesome have formally joined forces
through the EPIC Awesome Alliance – the University of Canterbury and the
The first cohort of businesses to go
a partnership pulling in some of New University of Otago.
through xone have experienced
Zealand’s most innovative companies overwhelming success, fulfilling the
across multiple industries. accelerator’s aim to nurture growth
and leverage off innovative ideas.
The EPIC Awesome Alliance is BizDojo
a foundation for key partners to Ten Kiwi start-ups and SMEs were
engage with the local entrepreneurial The reputation of the new BizDojo selected to be part of xone last July
community and international high-tech Christchurch site grows almost as quickly and, as of March 2017, between them
companies, amplifying the success the as the companies who call it home. all there had been a total of $9 million
two organisations have already had in in new revenue and $7 million local and
their own rights. It will directly connect Nestled amongst Vodafone and offshore investment in the companies.
a pipeline of the best talent, partners Kathmandu, the new location means
and community with disruptive products growth for the national co-working Each business received a package
and services and an opportunity to get operator and a secure footing for worth more than $150,000, including
involved in solutions that matter. growing local businesses. $25,000 in seed-funding and world
class mentoring as part of a six-month
Budding entrepreneurs with ideas, BizDojo Christchurch Regional Manager programme. The companies also
start-ups wanting to scale or larger Leon Mooney said it’s incredibly received access to a collaborative
businesses needing to attract talent and exciting to be part of the growth of the working space in Vodafone’s
innovate products and services can use Christchurch Innovation Precinct. headquarters in Christchurch, and
Continued on page 14
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 13Leon from BizDojo (left) and Kevin from Vodafone xone (right) catch up in the Innovation Precinct
technology development through the a wide range of initiatives and events such as ChessChecker – a way to
Vodafone xone Innovation Lab. to encourage innovative thinking, automatically convert hand-written chess
commercialisation and collaboration scoresheets into electronic files and help
across the ecosystem. players improve.
It will also be used as a ‘landing pad’ Andy, a keen chess player who moved to
GreenHouse
and connection hub for entrepreneurs, Christchurch from the United Kingdom
investors and experts arriving in or with his wife and two children six years
Collaborative hub GreenHouse – based visiting Christchurch. ago, said ChessChecker has been well
in the Innovation Precinct and part of
received. The Canterbury Chess Club is
the city’s start-up ecosystem – is set
using it as their official system, and there
to become a city asset bringing the
Start-ups: has been interest from as far afield as
innovation system to life.
New York and the Netherlands.
Inductive
The hub, operated by Canterbury
Development Corporation with support The Innovation Precinct has become “Obviously, there are a limited number
from the Ministry of Business, Innovation home to exciting start-ups in the city. of chess clubs in New Zealand, so we
and Employment (MBIE), focuses on are aiming for a global market from day
supporting and commercialising Inductive is one of many newly one,” he said.
early-stage digital and tech start-ups. founded businesses choosing to base
itself within the precinct at innovation Andy and Chris have a lot of other ideas
In the two years since it opened, hub GreenHouse, alongside other for products, which they will work on
GreenHouse has hosted the digital co-working spaces also on offer such once ChessChecker is more established.
business accelerator Lightning Lab as BizDojo and EPIC.
and provided support services and co- “Being in GreenHouse is really cool.
working space to more than 10 start-ups. Co-founded by Andy Masters and Chris There is a smörgåsbord of start-ups all
Saunders in mid-2016, Inductive offers going through similar issues and we can
The rapid expansion of Christchurch’s end-to-end software development all learn from each other. Being based
entrepreneurial eco-system means an as well as consulting work in Artificial there you feel like you are part of a
expanding focus for GreenHouse over Intelligence, innovation thinking and the community, not just a few people stuck
the next 12 months, seeing it become digital currency Bitcoin. The business has in your bedroom working on an idea,”
more open and accessible supporting also started producing its own products, Andy said.
14 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017INNOVATION FEATURE
Products created from pest didymo
Logan Williams is on a mission to change “I want to take a pest and create From there it will be about forming
the world with his business that uses sustainable products – it’s a win win.” relationships with international
invasive freshwater algae didymo to manufacturers and potential customers
create sustainable and biodegradable Logan, who took out first prize and the and, after creating company infrastructure,
paper, plastic and fabric. people’s choice award at UC’s Summer
looking to scale the business.
Startup 2016/17 Programme, has
The 21-year-old, who is studying synthesised small quantities of paper, Support has come already from
a Master of Science specialising in plastic and fabric from didymo and has academic, political and business leaders
Applied Psychology at the University several patents in process. – reaffirming that New Zealanders share
of Canterbury (UC), had a “eureka his passion to restore the environment.
He is now looking to create marketable
moment” when he saw dried didymo prototypes and scale the company by
in an infected river and was astounded “Initial forecasts have indicated that
applying for governmental grants, while
by its similarity to raw paper pulp. also researching possible techniques for didymo-based materials will be priced
removing didymo from our waterways. competitively in the global market due
“I enjoy fishing, tramping and camping to decreasing resources such as timber
but had seen first-hand the rivers I “I want to manufacture sustainable, and oil, while didymo is available and
love being infected with didymo. I was biodegradable and environmentally has potential to cultivate.”
devastated as the infection seemed friendly materials for the future. Create
irreversible. But seeing the dried up bulk paper, plastic and fabric from raw For Logan, passion for the environment
didymo inspired the formation of my didymo, to be sold to larger manufacturers is part of his identity as a New Zealander
company Biome Innovation. to turn into marketable goods.” and sustainability is the way of the future.
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 15SOCIAL ENTERPRISE FEATURE
A change in direction
Looking out the window of a luxury home in his putting green and pool and then He has been with Trade Aid for 15 years,
Taiwan and seeing it surrounded by slums a 10-foot-high brick wall, with slums although it is now 10 times the size it
was a pivotal moment for Geoff White. surrounding us. was when he started. He still travels
overseas regularly to countries the
The Trade Aid Chief Executive, who will “I thought to myself, there is something company trades with, which helps him
be speaking at the Social Enterprise wrong with this picture. I’m on the wrong appreciate the lifestyle New Zealanders
World Forum 2017 (SEWF2017), was side of this fence.” have but also challenges where
visiting a Taiwanese factory to learn
happiness comes from.
about production costs for his business It was the start of a new way of thinking
at the time, Seventhwave Wetsuits. about business for Geoff. About 18 months Geoff is now Vice President of the
later he sold his share in Seventhwave World Fair Trade Organisation, a Board
“This factory was in the back of beyond
Wetsuits and began looking for member of New Internationalist NZ
and there was no hotel suitable for me
something he felt more suited to. and on the Executive Committee of the
to stay so I was at the factory owner’s
home. We arrived in the dark and the His wife saw the role with Trade Aid Fair Trade Association of Australia and
next morning I woke on the fifth floor Importers Ltd advertised, the country’s New Zealand. He has a strong interest
of his house and looked out to see largest and oldest fair trade company. in international trade rules and global
supply chains and their impact on
developing country economies. He will
speak on trade as a tool for international
development at SEWF2017.
Geoff said many people are realising
a different business model is needed to
go forward, creating real opportunities
for social enterprise.
“There is another way. Having closer
relationships in global supply chains
means everyone is a winner and the
wealth is shared around. Without an
alternative model, we get protectionism
and nationalism.”
He is excited to see the number of social
enterprise startups in Christchurch, many
with the potential to scale.
16 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017Christchurch’s central city will host the Social Enterprise World Forum 2017 later this year
Social enterprise start-ups flourish Christchurch:
A hub
Christchurch is attracting social “I think it is possible for people with
enterprise entrepreneurs capitalising a common purpose to work together
on the city going through a critical time to collectively create and own assets
for social
in its history. that generate both a social and
economic value,” she said.
Camia Young, an American-born architect
enterprise
who moved to Christchurch in 2011, Ohu Foundation is developing the
is well known for founding Exchange infrastructure needed to support
Christchurch – a startup space for the communities to collectively own
creative industries based in Waltham. what they create together, including
More recently she has started Ohu financial, legal and social structures. Christchurch’s emerging social
Development, which she thinks is the enterprise sector will be under the
future of architecture. Ohu works with Camia, who has worked for top spotlight when the city hosts the
communities to develop assets that will global architects, said Christchurch Social Enterprise World Forum
sustain and strengthen them. provides fertile territory for the social (SEWF2017) in September.
enterprise to grow.
SEWF is an international event
“I couldn’t go anywhere else in the for social enterprises to come
world with these extreme ideas and together, share wisdom, build
What is social enterprise? test them. I don’t have a great deal networks and discuss how to
Social enterprises are purpose-driven of money but here, with a small create a more sustainable future.
organisations that trade to deliver amount, I can achieve a lot. I call
social, environmental and economic Christchurch ‘prototype city’. The event, which started in
impact. Their social mission is as core 2008 in Scotland, attracts social
to their success as any potential profit. “It’s the crisis the city has been through entrepreneurs, policy makers,
that brings the opportunity. It is a community leaders, investors,
While New Zealand’s social enterprise pivotal time in the city’s history; there academics and more from across
sector is fledgling, it is starting to is 20 years of development occurring the globe.
come of age as more entrepreneurs in a compressed five-year period.”
move into this space and long-term The theme is “Ka koroki te
stalwarts lend support and give She said the social enterprise manu – creating our tomorrow”,
advice. The sector has the potential network in the city is “wonderfully which seems fitting in post-quake
to make an important contribution to diverse”, made up of people with Christchurch.
the country’s economy. different interests, ages and cultural
backgrounds. sewf2017.org
17MENTORING FEATURE
Giving back through mentoring
When Leone Evans decided to leave Mentor who has the experience and skills to ensure that their
corporate life, she wanted to use her to support the identified skill gaps. business or professional
knowledge to help other businesses aspirations also align
and organisations. From a mentoring point of view, Leone with their own personal
sees little difference in working with either lifestyle goals.”
So she started volunteering through commercial or not for profit organisations.
Business Mentors New Zealand and Leone also operates
more recently with Community Mentors, “We all exist in a community, although her own business
working with not for profit organisations, the size, location, complexity and other coaching service, Leone Evans has
social enterprise groups, charities and influencing factors can differ. But the been mentoring
as well as
critical success factors for a business since October 2011
non-government organisations. professional and life
remain similar. What counts more is
coaching services.
The regional mentoring programmes the market or community in which the
are part of the service delivered by business seeks to sell its products or Leone recommends businesses get
Canterbury Development Corporation services,” she says. a mentor on board at start-up stage,
through the national Regional Business to validate their business proposition
Leone enjoys the diversity of
Partners programme. Following and to ensure it is viable.
assignments the volunteering brings.
registration with Business Mentors, clients
undertake a needs assessment and Canterbury Business Mentors Manager
“I like being able to take one set of
are matched with a volunteer Business experiences and apply them to a totally Ellen Pender says the success of the
different scenario.” mentoring programme comes from the
commitment of the volunteer mentors.
Her skills and experience have come from
“I would recommend working in a variety of industries over “Mentors range in age and experience
a mentor to anyone more than 30 years. Most recently she and give valuable support based on their
worked in a New Zealand international working backgrounds. The service has
that feels a little trade promotion and economic gone from strength to strength since its
lost with their development agency and has also held beginning in 1991.”
management roles in the apparel, arable,
business direction. dairy and meat industries.
Looking for mentoring support to
help a not for profit organisation or
It’s been fantastic.” “Becoming a Business Mentor was commercial business, or considering
– Philippa Murphy, part of my transition plan for when becoming a Business Mentor? Please
BabyCues – Nurture with Nature I left corporate life in October 2011. contact Ellen Pender on 03 378 0094
Founder of The Pudding Club I get a lot of enjoyment from interacting or email ellen.pender@cdc.org.nz
Postnatal Practitioner and with a business owner and their senior
Educator management team; to help them to www.communitymentors.org.nz
become the best they can be – and www.businessmentors.org.nz
18 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017TALENT ATTRACTION FEATURE
Entrepreneurs choose Christchurch
Christchurch is attracting visionary global His work at Exchange Christchurch is a New Zealand and ultimately, the world.
entrepreneurs aiming to tackle the world’s good fit for GIVs, and he knows of several
problems, as part of a new initiative others applying who see Christchurch He said the addition of up to 20 Kiwi
launched nationally earlier this year. as a great place to create and develop entrepreneurs and investors each year
initiatives which can make a significant to join the international talent creates
The Edmund Hillary Fellowship (EHF) positive contribution globally. a supportive environment for the
is leading a programme to attract up to exchange of different perspectives,
100 global and 20 Kiwi entrepreneurs, Edmund Hillary Fellowship Chief talents and skills.
investors and start-up teams every year Executive Yoseph Ayele says GIVs
The first cohort will begin the Fellowship
to incubate and grow global impact are attracting global entrepreneurial
in October 2017, with a new cohort
ventures from New Zealand. Fellows talent with the drive, sense of purpose,
every six months.
receive individualised support to help capability and connections to create
them maximise impact, along with great outcomes for Christchurch, Apply, or find out more at ehf.org
access to workshops, retreats, demo
days, and a global network of mentors,
ambassadors, partners and investors.
“The fellowship aspect of the new visa is a
A key enabler of the programme is
the Global Impact Visas (GIVs), a new
revolutionary approach to immigration that
visa category which Immigration New will enable both Kiwis and immigrants to work
Zealand will issue to global entrepreneurs
nominated by EHF for the three year
together and add value to our country. It’s not just
programme. The visa provides a three- a ticket in the door, it’s a supportive system to
year open work visa to live and work in
New Zealand to build global businesses,
help entrepreneur immigrants quickly add value
and offers eligibility for residence after by growing their companies from New Zealand.”
30 months in the programme.
–S
am Johnson,
Preston Hegel, the Operations Manager Entrepreneur and Student Volunteer
at Exchange Christchurch – Army Founder
a community project providing space
for creative people to connect while
producing or showcasing their work – has
expressed interest in applying for a GIV.
Preston came to Christchurch from the
United States in December 2015, initially
on a one-year working holiday visa. He is
currently on an arts administrator visa but
wants to stay longer.
“I carried out pretty extensive research
before deciding to move to Christchurch;
seeing the rebuild as a unique opportunity
for growth. Even now, years after the
earthquakes, communities and government
constantly question, ‘are we creating a city
we want to live in or not? And can our city
be a leader in global innovation?’
Preston Hegel
“It’s humbling and exciting to be here.”
THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017 | 19EVENTS FEATURE
A lasting legacy
Major events like the Chinese Lantern Festival and the DHL New Zealand
Lions Series bring Christchurch people together to celebrate (and sometimes
commiserate), but the opportunities extend far beyond what happens on the day.
Major events play an important role and its culture. Hosting events shows “We’ve got some wonderful assets like
in helping accelerate Christchurch’s international audiences that the city is Hagley Park with the space to be able
economic growth and creating a sense well equipped and open for business.” to hold larger events, and being a flat
of community by attracting visitors, city is a real benefit because it’s easy for
business and investment, increased Richard explains a “major event” is an people of all ages to get around. And
spending and creating a higher profile event that attracts visitors to the city, our people are always a great selling
and lasting legacy for the city. builds a strong profile and reputation point for Christchurch – we’re welcoming
nationally and internationally and and friendly and visitors love that.”
Richard Attwood has worked in the major leaves a positive legacy for residents.
events industry for 15 years and is one of Such events can include business, One of the major events in the pipeline
the people tasked with helping to attract entertainment, sporting or cultural is the World Golden Oldies tour which
national and international events on celebrations. Christchurch is due to host in 2018.
behalf of the city. The event is expected to attract
“Lots of cities around the world can 9,000 participants, 4,000 supporters
“Hosting major events provides host events – our job is to promote and officials and could contribute
Christchurch with the opportunity to the attractions and benefits of holding $33 million of direct economic benefit
tell our story, to showcase the city events here in Christchurch. to the Canterbury region.
The South Island Lantern Business
Forum 2017 featured experts on
trade with China and Hong Kong
20 | THE CANTERBURY REPORT WINTER 2017Be ready for November 2017 November will be a busy month with three major events in the city: • Rugby League World Cup 2017 – 4 Nov: NZ vs Scotland – 18 Nov: Quarter Final • New Zealand Cup and Show Week: 11 to 18 November • New Zealand vs Pakistan Test Match: 17 to 21 November.
For more information about Canterbury Development Corporation’s programmes and services please email cdc@cdc.org.nz Canterbury Development Corporation Level 1, 99 Cashel Street Christchurch 8011, New Zealand Phone: 03 379 5575 Email: cdc@cdc.org.nz www.cdc.org.nz
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