Christchurch City leaders flying in formation with Air New Zealand
25 September 2018
Christchurch’s position as a key destination and commercial hub as well as the perfect basecamp to explore the South
Island has been boosted by city leaders and Air New Zealand.
On September 25, our city ratified a memorandum of understanding with Air New Zealand and the airline is working with
city agencies to explore joint marketing activity, enhanced freight and passenger capacity, and signature events.
Air New Zealand Chief Executive Christopher Luxon says, “Christchurch is a priority market for Air New Zealand and an
important gateway to the South Island and we are delighted to work with the city and to help it go from strength to
strength.”
ChristchurchNZ, as the agency for economic development and city promotion, is facilitating the relationship between the
city and Air New Zealand, on behalf of Christchurch City Council, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Christchurch International
Airport and the Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce.
The city partners are unanimous in their enthusiasm with Christchurch City Council's Chief Executive Karleen Edwards
commenting, "It make so much sense for the city to partner with our national airline. It's important that key agencies
work closely together to promote our wonderful city both domestically and internationally, as a city where anything is
possible."
Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Chief Operating Officer Julian Wilcox says, “We see this as a significant partnership and
acknowledgment of the relationship between Air New Zealand and Ngāi Tahu.
“With Ōtautahi being the gateway to Te Waipounamu, we are committed to further developing innovative and future-focused
ideas that strengthen and grow regional economic and environmentally sustainable outcomes across the takiwā – and this
partnership is another step forward to supporting our vision.”
Leeann Watson, CEO of the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber says, “The Chamber has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with
Air New Zealand over the past 20 years, and we are excited to see Air New Zealand reconfirming its commitment to our
city and region as both one of Christchurch’s largest employers, and as a key connector of visitors and freight for our
tourism businesses and exporters. Their support of our region continues to be vital for our businesses to get their
goods to the world.”
Malcom Johns, Chief Executive of Christchurch Airport, says he’s excited about the opportunities that working together
creates.
“It’s great to have all the key players in the city “flying in formation” with our largest airline partner to enhance
Christchurch’s position as both a gateway and a destination.”
ChristchurchNZ chief executive Joanna Norris added, “Air New Zealand is a pivotal partner for the city as we work
closely to enhance destination Christchurch as a city of opportunity and exploration through Air New Zealand’s
international channels and networks.”
The closer working relationship also aims to leverage Air New Zealand’s ongoing commitment to aircraft maintenance
facilities and operational and sales teams in Christchurch, within the airline’s Sustainability Framework.
The partnership, signed in Christchurch at a recent meeting of Air New Zealand’s board of directors, also sees enhanced
opportunities and initiatives to support growth in business and trade, international education and regional development.
Ms Norris says, “The fantastic growth we have seen in recent years in visitor numbers to Christchurch and the wider
Canterbury region has been as a result of everyone working together.
“Having Air New Zealand on board will serve to ignite our ambitions further and we are delighted to have entered into
the arrangement with our national carrier.”
ENDS