Firstly, what an incredible weekend it was for Christchurch and Canterbury. The opening Super Round at our new Stadium did exactly what many of us hoped it would. It showcased our revitalised central city to the country, and beyond, brought real vibrancy into town, and reinforced why careful, long‑term investment in our region matters.
In this month’s update, I’ve covered a few key areas that are front of mind for our business community. If you’re short on time, you can jump straight to the topics most relevant to you below:
Of course, while we celebrate these positives at home, the global context remains challenging. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is continuing to ripple through the global economy, and we are hearing directly from members who are now thinking beyond the immediate impacts to what the longer‑term implications might be. Many are bracing for fuel prices to remain elevated for at least the next year, alongside ongoing pressure on shipping, input availability, and supply chains more broadly.
To support members with this longer term preparation, we are bringing together a dedicated forum to unpack what this could mean in practical terms, to collectively share insights and ideas, and ensure businesses are as well‑positioned as possible to respond. You can register here.
A couple of weeks ago, we pulse‑checked members to better understand current sentiment around the Middle East impacts. Most businesses told us they expect the impact to be moderate - but there is clear concern around rising costs and supply chain disruption.
We will be reopening our bigger quarterly business survey again in the coming week, and I strongly encourage you to take part. This feedback is one of the most effective measures we have when advocating for practical, responsive government action. At this stage, we have consistently supported the focus on shoring up supply as a necessary first step - but we are equally clear that attention must now turn to price pressures and affordability challenges, along with the wider impacts including supply chain delays and complexities and how that will play out over the longer term without intervention.
It’s worth reflecting, too, on where sentiment sat just a few months ago. In February, businesses told us they were as confident about the year ahead as at any point since we began tracking sentiment in 2022. What you wanted most was continuity - interest rates holding steady, and consumer confidence continuing to recover. Both of those factors are now feeling pressure from global events beyond our control. That is understandably frustrating, and another stark reminder of how turbulent the world we are operating in has become.
Still, there is reason for confidence. In that same February survey, more than four out of five businesses told us they were confident in their ability to navigate disruption. That resilience, adaptability, and determination remains one of Canterbury’s greatest strengths.
In that same spirit, it would be great to see you at our Prime Minister’s Lunch on June 18. This election‑year event is a valuable opportunity to gain direct, unfiltered insight into the issues shaping the campaign, New Zealand’s economy, the business environment, and the future of Canterbury. It offers a rare chance to hear the Prime Minister’s priorities and perspectives directly – and to ensure Canterbury’s voice is heard. You can book individual tickets or tables, which are quickly selling out so get in quick.
As always, thank you for your engagement, your feedback, and your leadership within our region. Together, we will continue to navigate whatever comes next.
Ngā mihi,
Leeann Watson | Chief Executive
Feature Event
Tickets for our flagship event are now on sale and expected to sell out. Tables are available for hosting clients or colleagues, along with a limited number of individual seats. Secure yours today.
This two-hour session provides expert guidance on legal risk, staff management, communication, and financial planning, helping you respond confidently while sharing insights on navigating ongoing Middle East uncertainty.
