Christchurch to host prestigious World Heritage Convention 2007

Christchurch has been selected as the New Zealand city to host the prestigious United Nations’ Scientific, Educational and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) international World Heritage convention in June 2007.

Between 600 and 800 international delegates from 176 different countries, each accompanied by their secretariat, interpreters, media and security, are expected to attend the 31^st session of the World Heritage Committee over 10 days in Christchurch.  

The convention will provide a direct local economic impact in excess of $3 million, and immeasurable international media exposure for New Zealand and our South Island destination, Annette Pendergast, Manager of Christchurch & Canterbury Convention Bureau (CCCB) said.

CCCB led a bid from the city, working closely with Paramount Chief Tumu te Heuheu, head of New Zealand’s delegation for the World Heritage Committee’s 31^st session. Others on the bid team included Tata Lawton, General Manager Maori Issues, Department of Conservation and Carla Wilson, World Heritage Manager, Department of Conservation.

Annette Pendergast said the win was prestigious acknowledgement of Christchurch’s ability to host events of this size and calibre, and confirms our status as a world-class convention destination.  This event has in the past been hosted in Suzhou, China in 2004 with 700 delegates, and 2005 in Durban, South Africa with 800 delegates.  The 2006 convention will be staged in Lithuania.

“CCCB worked with Christchurch City Council, Christchurch Convention Centre, Ngai Tahu, and major CBD accommodation providers to bring together a proposal showcasing Christchurch’s key strengths.  We hosted a delegation of four key decision makers to Christchurch on 12 December for site inspections of major properties,” Annette Pendergast said.

“Major facilities such as our purpose-built convention centre and international airport played an important role in securing this event, along with the city’s proximity to one of New Zealand’s world heritage areas – Te Wāhipounamu-South West New Zealand.”

The official meeting dates for the convention are 23 June – 1 July 2007, with dates either side utilised for convention set-up and delegate pre and post convention touring activities where delegates can visit, explore and experience first hand the wonderful natural and culture attractions of New Zealand, Annette Pendergast said.

Close to Christchurch, Te Wāhipounamu-South West New Zealand is one of three areas of New Zealand inscribed on the World Heritage List for its natural values. This public conservation land includes four National Parks and covers 2.6 million hectares or 10% of New Zealand’s land area: Westland Tai Poutini National Park, Mount Aspiring National Park, Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park and Fiordland National Park.

Tongariro National Park in New Zealand’s central North Island and New Zealand’s sub-Antarctic islands are also listed as UNESCO World Heritage regions.  Most recently an application has been placed for the ‘heavens’ above the central South Island township of Tekapo to carry World Heritage listing and become the world’s first sky park.

The World Heritage convention is run by the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of World Cultural and Natural Heritage, at the UNESCO World Heritage Centre based in Paris, France, in conjunction with   the host country.