A major step forward for cancer treatment in Christchurch has been marked with a blessing of a new immunotherapy manufacturing facility in the city’s Health Precinct.

The facility, operated by BioOra, will focus on producing CAR T cell therapies once it opens, an advanced treatment that uses a patient’s own immune cells to fight cancer.

David Downs, Chief Executive of New Zealand Story Group and Education New Zealand, said the moment was both professional and deeply personal.

“This is an emotional day. I was one of the people who had to go overseas for CAR T therapy eight years ago. To see a permanent facility becoming a reality in New Zealand, and with future potential for paediatric patients, is incredibly special.

“This is world leading work. We’re partnering with places like Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, developing clinical trials, and implementing therapies that aren’t widely available globally.

To have that happening here puts Christchurch firmly on the international stage.”

Economic modelling suggests the facility could generate up to $98 million in annual GDP and support about 1,100 full time equivalent jobs each year.

The construction phase alone is expected to contribute $16.6 million.

ChristchurchNZ Chief Executive Ali Adams said the facility represents confidence in Christchurch’s ability to support science that genuinely changes lives.’

BioOra Chief Executive John Robson said Christchurch stood out early during the selection process.

“It was close to love at first sight. ChristchurchNZ understood what we were trying to achieve and helped connect us to the right people, talent and infrastructure. When we found this site, everything we needed was here, the hospital, the health precinct, the ecosystem.”

Robson said the aim was to deliver potentially curative treatments for patients with limited options.

“What we’re developing has real curative potential, particularly for cancers like lymphoma. This is about bringing a level of treatment to New Zealand that has, until now, largely only been available overseas.”

The BioOra facility is scheduled to open on 7 October 2026.