4 Jun 2014

Vodafone commitment to Christchurch

6:49 am on 4 June 2014

The chief executive of Vodafone New Zealand has pledged to make a success of the company's proposed South Island headquarters in Christchurch, despite recent failings by other businesses.

Russell Stanners

Russell Stanners Photo: VODAFONE NZ

Vodafone on Tuesday announced plans to spend $50 million building the headquarters, as well as a hub for start-up businesses, in the city's new Innovation Precinct.

The company will be the anchor tenant, following the withdrawal of the precinct's pilot tenant - the Enterprise Precinct Innovation Centre. The plug has also been pulled on a nearby bar and restaurant project.

However, Vodafone's chief executive, Russell Stanners, expressed confidence that numerous start-up technology businesses would want to move into the new building.

He said he expected other large technology companies to establish themselves in Christchurch too.