RISE-IN Launch Event in Christchurch, NZ

Christchurch City Council hosted the official launch of RISE‑IN New Zealand today, marking an important step in advancing environmental innovation in the city. The event highlighted plans for upcoming activities in the Ōtākaro Avon River Corridor, a key project site for ecological restoration and climate resilience.

Christchurch will serve as a demonstrator city for the RISE‑IN initiative, with results expected to guide similar efforts in cities across Europe. The launch event was co‑organised by Christchurch City Council, ChristchurchNZ, University of Canterbury, and Richmond Community Garden, drawing together stakeholders committed to sustainable urban development.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says this is an exciting development for the city: “Building climate resilience through innovation has been a focus for Council, and this partnership allows us to advance environmental projects in the former red zone. We look forward to establishing new relationships with the EU, and partner cities as the projects progress.”

ChristchurchNZ’s General Manager of Innovation and Business Growth Martin Cudd says joining the European initiative is a valuable recognition of the city’s ambition: “We are focused on the financial viability of these projects, exploring how to attract investment into innovative ecological restoration. This success shows Christchurch is a place where businesses can prosper by developing solutions to global challenges.”

RISE‑IN’s New Zealand launch marks the beginning of a collaborative journey to integrate innovative ecological restoration with climate resilience planning. Christchurch’s work will serve as a model for similar initiatives worldwide, blending environmental stewardship with economic opportunity.

Photo credit: Delegation of the European Union to Aotearoa New Zealand

More information: https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/european-union-invests-into-groundbreaking-christchurch-environmental-projects