The Ōtautahi outlook is a mini-series catching the thoughts of Christchurch's leaders on the postitive things happening in Christchurch.

What’s good in Christchurch this year? The fact that we’ve gone to Orange has been a huge benefit to the hospitality sector. It’s very, very positive. We’ve seen an immediate pick-up in hospitality venues. I thought it would take a month or two, but no. We’re also noticing that office workers are returning to work rather than working from home. I’m pleased to see a bit more happening in town, and every day is a better day. There are two new hotels opening [The Mayfair and The Observatory], that’s really positive, it shows confidence that the hospitality and tourism sectors are going to pick up

What are you most excited about? Seeing people getting out and enjoying things. I can’t wait for the economy to get back to what it was two years ago. And we’re opening the borders to overseas workers. The restraints are coming off faster than I thought they would.

What’s the last thing you bought, and where? A coffee, and that would have been at a place called Fulla Beanz in Cashel Street. They do wonderful coffee, it’s just inside the door of the Westpac Centre.

Your favourite Christchurchian right now? David Warring. He’s the owner of King of Snake, and he’s done an awesome job there. He created that restaurant in The Terrace during Covid when everyone was doom and gloom, and he did it right.

Top Christchurch secret? I would say that hospitality in the central city is a lot more active than people give it credit for, and they need to experience it.

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