ChristchurchNZ will be responsible for developing the city’s profile, attracting tourists, students, migrants and business opportunities, and ensuring a supportive business environment for innovation and creativity.

“Over the next 15 years, Canterbury is expecting big changes to the world of work, losing more than 70,000 workers as baby boomers move into retirement, while technological disruption will massively impact our economy,” said Bree Loverich, Christchurch Educated program manager.

“Over the next 15 years, Canterbury is expecting big changes to the world of work”

Loverich said the organisation wanted to attract “smart and skilled people to continue to drive the economic development already underway,” and that encouraging international students to study in the region and remain would form an important part in this.

The new entity will see CE join with Christchurch & Canterbury Tourism, the Convention Bureau, Canterbury Development Corporation, Christchurch Educated, and the Christchurch City Council’s Major Events team to maximise opportunities across all portfolios.

One of ChristchurchNZ’s first major international education events is expected next year, with the International Student Welcome ceremony to serve as an opener for the city’s Lantern Festival.

In 2015/16, the Christchurch and Canterbury region attracted New Zealand’s second highest proportion of onshore international students and revenue, representing 8.9% of the county’s record NZ$4.04bn.

Until the merger is completed, most of the organisations will continue to perform under their existing business plans.