New to Town: Connecting People, Workplaces, and Communities

Employers play an important role in helping new team members feel settled, connected, and confident when they arrive in a new city. With Canterbury now New Zealand’s fastest growing region, many businesses are welcoming people who are new to Christchurch and the wider region, from elsewhere in New Zealand and overseas.

This relaxed, informal session is designed for employers to send along team members who are new to town, while also welcoming employers, managers, and people leaders who want to gain insight into how workplaces and business networks support connection.

Through genuine networking and practical insights, the session supports people who are new to Canterbury to navigate local systems, build professional connections, and feel more at home in the region. Whether you’ve recently moved to Christchurch yourself, or are supporting someone who has, this is a welcoming space to connect with others on a similar journey.

Connection doesn’t happen automatically when people are new to a place. This session explores simple, inclusive approaches that help new arrivals feel supported, engaged, and connected across Christchurch and Canterbury - without adding unnecessary complexity for businesses or individuals.

The session will start with an informative panel discussion at 4.30pm, followed by networking from 5.00pm. Those unable to arrive for the panel are welcome to join us for the networking.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

• Relaxed networking with other business professionals who are new to the region
• Insights from guest speakers and support organisations focused on welcoming, inclusive workplace practices
• Good conversation, genuine connections, and shared experiences in a friendly, supportive setting

WHO IS IT FOR:

This session is open to both members and non‑members and is ideal for:

• Individuals who are new to Christchurch or Canterbury and looking to grow their local network
• Businesses wanting to support new team members to settle and thrive
• Employers keen to build stronger connection, inclusion, and engagement within their teams

TICKETS:
Business Canterbury Member - Connect | Thrive | Invest

Free to attend

Lite Subscription | Non- Member

$30 + GST

Light refreshments provided

REGISTERING:
When you register for an event you will be prompted to create a profile on Eventbrite. Please make sure you use your work/company email when you create your profile so that your Eventbrite account will sync with your Business Canterbury website portal if you are a member. Also please make sure details entered are spelt correctly and use Capital Letters for names!

Note: For paid events when you enter your details - under the Registration Type & Tax Receipt Information section - please select 'Individual'. The 'Business' option will ask you for your IRD number.

EVENT MANAGER:

Rebecca Golding - [email protected]

Disclaimer: Please also note by registering for this event, you agree to receive communications from Business Canterbury regarding its products, services, and related updates. Your contact information will be used solely for these purposes and will not be shared with third parties. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in our privacy policy.

It will also be taken as acceptance that your image, name, or voice may be included in publications after the event. No personal details will be shared or printed without prior consent.

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