Originally known as the Convention Centre Precinct, construction was funded by the New Zealand Government as part of the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan.

The polysemous name Te Pae is "inspired" by the Māori language,[3] and can roughly be interpreted to mean "gathering place".

After the demolition of the previous convention centre, construction of a replacement facility was included as part of the list of anchor projects for the rebuild of the city.

Central government acquired the land using powers granted under the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Act 2011.

At the time, earthquake recovery minister Gerry Brownlee said he expected the centre to be built for "slightly in excess" of the NZ$284,000,000 that had been initially set aside.

[9] The partnership collapsed in 2016, with PCNZ unable to meet design requirements within the budget provided.