After more than a decade of tragedy, Christchurch emerges as New Zealand’s most ‘vibrant city’

Christchurch now at the centre of the country’s fastest-growing region as lower house prices, job prospects and thriving cultural scene entice people to the city

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rom 2010, New Zealand’s second-largest city, Christchurch, became inextricably linked with crises. The city, which had been known for its gardens, gothic architecture and monochromatic culture was rocked by a decade of tragedy – devastating and fatal earthquakes, wildfires and a terrorist attack on two mosques that killed more than 50 people.

But in recent years, the city of crises has taken a surprising turn – shrugging off its once-conservative reputation and rebuilding from tragedy to become one of New Zealand’s most appealing cities.

Christchurch is now at the centre of the country’s fastest-growing region as people from the North Island and further afield flock to the revitalised city. Business growth outpaces the national average and the cultural scene is thriving, as experts say affordability and job prospects entice people to the city.