Our mission is to positively contribute to the social, cultural, environmental and economic well-being of the Waitaha, Canterbury region.
IMPACT
VENUES WITH IMPACT
VENUES WITH IMPACT
Our long-term strategic priorities include protecting the environment, supporting the social fabric of our region, and ensuring the health and vitality of our community.
Environmental sustainability is essential to the future of major events. In an industry where large gatherings can generate significant waste and venues experience peaks and troughs in activity, we see sustainability as both a challenge and an opportunity.
We’re building a culture where every team member, whatever their role, shares responsibility for positive environmental outcomes.
Our focus goes beyond the environment. Making a positive social impact and contributing to the local community is at the heart of VŌ. Through our people-first approach, sustainability initiatives, and strong community engagement, we’re creating meaningful change for Ōtautahi, Christchurch.
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ENVIRONMENTAL
Venues Ōtautahi has a target of carbon neutrality by 2030. In 2023 the baseline carbon emission footprint for the business was established and a carbon reduction roadmap developed.
In FY23/24 the execution of the roadmap, to achieve the company’s 2030 target, commenced. The roadmap focuses on five key carbon contributors: stationery and transport fuels, electricity, water, waste and refrigerants.
VŌ has implemented several key initiatives across these key carbon contributors including establishing a reporting and monitoring platform to track the company’s carbon reduction progress.
To assure and validate our programme of activity across all venues, VŌ will also seek Toitū Envirocare accreditation.
See how we are tracking. Our environmental sustainability in the last financial year -
- 6%
- Reduction in electricity
- 8%
- Reduction in stationary fuel
- 27%
- Reduction in transport fuel
- 14%
- Reduction in waste emissions
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INCLUSIVENESS
In taking a holistic approach to sustainability, Venues Ōtautahi strives to deliver positive social sustainability outcomes.
Our approach to sourcing local, employing local, contributing local and partnering local all underpin a positive contribution to the social fabric of the region.
We’re committed to a diverse and inclusive culture, and one connected to our cultural heritage where our people are enabled to innovate and find new and better ways of delivering value to clients, guests, and the community at large.
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COMMUNITY & PARTNERSHIPS
Venues Ōtautahi has a strong partnership with Ngāi Tūāhuriri with this cultural connection reflected in our culinary services offering.
Our front of house service and guest experience strategy aims to deepen partnerships for training, development, and employment opportunities, contributing to the economic growth of our local Māori community.
Social responsibility is core to VŌ's philosophy, and we commit to high standards of social and environmental performance.
This includes partnerships with Kairos Food Rescue for food donations, the Ministry of Social Development for job creation, ChoicesNZ for inclusive employment, and Full Bellies to support children in need.
PARTNERSHIPS
Hear from some of the organisations we support
PARTNERSHIPS
Hear from some of the organisations we support
We're committed to support our city Ōtautahi, Christchurch and our region, Waitaha, Canterbury to be the best place in the country to live.
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Over the past five years, Venues Ōtautahi has been home to three unforgettable Feast gala events – in 2019, 2023, and 2024. Venues Ōtautahi’s contribution goes far beyond providing a venue, by absorbing significant event costs, Venues Ōtautahi have enabled Māia to direct more funding where it matters most: into life-changing health projects.
Thanks to the partnership, these three Feast events have collectively raised more than $660,000 – an extraordinary achievement that has helped bring to life projects including:
The rooftop helipad at Christchurch Hospital, ensuring faster, safer emergency transfers.
Kahurangi, the new youth mental health facility offering therapeutic, age-appropriate care for rangatahi.
The redevelopment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), ensuring the most vulnerable pēpi get the specialised start they need.
These are projects that touch thousands of lives every year, and Venues Ōtautahi has been part of every step.
Māia is deeply grateful for Venues Ōtautahi’s ongoing commitment to our region and our whānau. Your support ensures that Canterbury continues to have world-class facilities and compassionate, accessible care.
Over the past five years, Venues Ōtautahi has been home to three unforgettable Feast gala events – in 2019, 2023, and 2024. Venues Ōtautahi’s contribution goes far beyond providing a venue, by absorbing significant event costs, Venues Ōtautahi have enabled Māia to direct more funding where it matters most: into life-changing health projects.
Thanks to the partnership, these three Feast events have collectively raised more than $660,000 – an extraordinary achievement that has helped bring to life projects including:
The rooftop helipad at Christchurch Hospital, ensuring faster, safer emergency transfers.
Kahurangi, the new youth mental health facility offering therapeutic, age-appropriate care for rangatahi.
The redevelopment of the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), ensuring the most vulnerable pēpi get the specialised start they need.
These are projects that touch thousands of lives every year, and Venues Ōtautahi has been part of every step.
Māia is deeply grateful for Venues Ōtautahi’s ongoing commitment to our region and our whānau. Your support ensures that Canterbury continues to have world-class facilities and compassionate, accessible care.