The Asia and Pacific Seed Association (APSA) Asian Seed Congress will be held at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre in November 2023.

It is expected to attract up to 1,000 delegates, including 900 international and 100 New Zealand seed industry experts, for a week of meetings and workshops. 

ChristchurchNZ Convention Bureau helped secure the event, alongside Tourism New Zealand and the New Zealand Grain and Seed Association (NZGSTA).

The APSA aims to promote quality seed production and marketing in the Asia-Pacific region.

Thomas Chin, NZGSTA general manager, says New Zealand was a global leader in seed production for both domestic use and export. 

“Hosting the 2023 Congress in Christchurch will create a strong legacy for both New Zealand and the APSA,” Chin says.

“Part of this legacy will come from local seed production companies being able to attend the Congress, share their expertise, and leverage the opportunity to build on connections and experience within the region.

Megan Crum, ChristchurchNZ head of business events, said Ōtautahi Christchurch was the ideal destination for major congresses like APSA.

“New Zealand’s newest city is perfectly placed to host large-scale events, while giving delegates a boutique city experience with easy access to spectacular natural landscapes,” Crum said.

“Not only will the Congress provide economic value for the city, hosting 1000 visitors for more than seven days, it will also boost the knowledge sector and create new international business connections for the city.

“Christchurch is in the heart of New Zealand’s largest seed production area and delegates will be able to observe seed growing, processing and storage first-hand, with a series of workshops and technical tours, both before and after the Congress.”

Ross Steele, Te Pae Christchurch general manager, says they were “delighted to have partnered with ChristchurchNZ and Tourism NZ to bring the event to Ōtautahi Christchurch, “particularly as this will be the first time the conference has been held in New Zealand”.

“As New Zealand’s newest gathering place, Te Pae Christchurch is a facilitator for knowledge exchange. By hosting APSA in Ōtautahi Christchurch, it will not only shine a spotlight on our local seed industry, but also provide valuable insights for the industry in NZ as a whole,” Steele said.

“We are proud to have been chosen as the host venue and we look forward to working with the APSA Committee over the next two years to ensure a successful conference in Christchurch.”

Tourism New Zealand general manager Domestic and Business Events, Bjoern Spreitzer said it was an “excellent win” for New Zealand. 

“This event will help us build international connections in this field and deliver high-value visitors that will enrich New Zealand’s specialist knowledge and economy,” Spreitzer says.