Lunchtime Tech Sessions - August 2026
Description
LUNCHTIME TECH SESSIONS brought to you by Canterbury Tech
Canterbury's Business Landscape: Trends, Challenges and Opportunities
What’s really happening in the Christchurch and Canterbury economy?
Dianna and Taylor will unpack the latest economic insights - from business growth and labour market activity to how some of the region’s strongest sectors, including tech, are performing. But the data only tells part of the story.
Drawing on ChristchurchNZ’s close connections with businesses across the region, they’ll explore what businesses are experiencing on the ground, what they’re expecting next and what the latest economic signals could mean for the business community.
Join us for a practical look beyond the headlines - and hear what the numbers, the sectors and businesses themselves are telling us about where the economy is heading.
Feel free to bring any questions to this session.
When: Tuesday 18 August 2026
Time: 12:30pm - 1:30pm (NZT)
Where: Online via Zoom - the link will be included in an email closer to the time.
Cost: This is a free event
Lineup
Taylor Klinefelter – Economics Lead
Taylor Klinefelter is Economics Lead at ChristchurchNZ, providing strategic economic insight to support informed decision-making across the region. He brings a broad perspective on the factors that drive long-term economic growth, from global economic trends and market conditions to the opportunities and challenges facing local businesses and industries. A key focus of Taylor’s role is ensuring economic development initiatives are grounded in practical, evidence-based policy. He translates complex economic data into clear, actionable insights that help businesses, stakeholders, and decision-makers understand what is shaping the regional economy and why it matters. Before joining ChristchurchNZ, Taylor worked as an economist in the United Kingdom, specialising in major infrastructure projects, urban regeneration, economic strategy, and public-private partnerships that support long-term investment and growth.
Dianna Rhodes – Head of Business Growth and Innovation
Dianna Rhodes is Head of Business Growth and Innovation at ChristchurchNZ, leading initiatives that help businesses across Ōtautahi Christchurch start, grow, innovate, commercialise, and improve their sustainability performance. A key focus of her role is strengthening Christchurch’s business support ecosystem. She works closely with government agencies, industry leaders, tertiary institutions, investors, and business support organisations to create pathways that accelerate innovation and business growth. Dianna leads ChristchurchNZ’s strategic partnerships with organisations including Ministry of Awesome and Mainland Angels, and oversees delivery of the Regional Business Partner Network across Canterbury. With more than 20 years’ experience spanning product management, innovation, business growth, and economic development, Dianna previously spent over a decade in the global fintech sector leading product strategy, partnerships, and commercial growth initiatives.
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