Ōtautahi Christchurch’s sustainable economic development agency ChristchurchNZ took out awards in two categories at the annual Economic Development New Zealand (EDNZ) Awards in Hamilton last month.
The awards celebrate thought leadership and showcase best practice throughout the network of New Zealand economic development professionals. ChristchurchNZ was the only economic development agency (EDA) to win in two categories: Best Practice for Primary Research and Best Practice for Innovation.
The city’s new brand identity, launched in March this year, won the primary research category. The judges' feedback said that the work demonstrated not only depth of research but also strong engagement that elicited a great creative outcome as well as an evidence-base and support for that outcome.
ChristchurchNZ CEO Ali Adams says the award represents just how collaborative and authentic the identity work was.
ChristchurchNZ CEO - Ali AdamsThe development was a true co-creation with city leaders, agencies, residents and Mana Whenua joining forces. The comprehensive research and community consultation delivered a truly authentic outcome. I’m incredibly proud of the team who drove the entire process.”
“The development was a true co-creation with city leaders, agencies, residents and Mana Whenua joining forces. The comprehensive research and community consultation delivered a truly authentic outcome. I’m incredibly proud of the team who drove the entire process.”
The second award was Best Practice for Innovation for Champions for Change, part of the ITM Sail Grand Prix Christchurch and their global thought leadership programme. ChristchurchNZ’s Major Events and Business Innovation teams united to showcase the city’s commitment to environmental and social good.
Head of Major Events Karena Finnie said it made sense to align local, future-focussed innovations with SailGP’s vision towards a better sport and a better planet.
ChristchurchNZ Head of Major Events - Karena FinnieŌtautahi has a strong sense of purpose and this was Christchurch’s chance to join other world capitals and showcase local and globally acclaimed innovation. It was a unique networking opportunity for local and New Zealand companies to share their smart technology and thinking around the key themes of ocean health and renewable energy.”
“Ōtautahi has a strong sense of purpose and this was Christchurch’s chance to join other world capitals and showcase local and globally acclaimed innovation. It was a unique networking opportunity for local and New Zealand companies to share their smart technology and thinking around the key themes of ocean health and renewable energy.”
EDNZ judges said Champions of Change was a great example of innovating around an existing common activity to deliver additional economic development activity, with a much longer impact horizon than just the event itself. The judges considered this entry as demonstrative of what this category is about – innovating economic development practice in a way others can replicate and be inspired by.
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