NZTech Inform: Building Aotearoa’s digital future

Kia ora,

Globally, data centres are expanding at a remarkable pace. Already valued at over US$243 billion, the data centre market is projected to more than double to over $584 billion by 2032. Many governments are actively positioning themselves as prime destinations for data centre investment – not just to build essential digital infrastructure, but because of the strong links between cloud adoption, AI growth and ultimately, economic productivity.

However, data centres also have a growing environmental impact, already consuming 1-1.5% of global electricity. To better understand both the opportunities and risks for Aotearoa, we’ve launched a new study into the local data centre market. We’re calculating its current size, energy use and the economic benefits of this critical infrastructure. We know this research matters to our members because it will provide new business opportunities including partnerships and expansion strategies. Understanding the impact of data centres is also crucial for responsible tech growth and we look forward to sharing our insights in July.

Meanwhile, we’re also collaborating with the Toi Mai Workforce Development Council on an update of our Digital Skills Aotearoa report. If you’re contacted to complete our digital skills survey, please take a few minutes to share your company’s needs. Your input helps us inform education and training systems, ensuring we build the workforce the tech sector needs for the future. 

🍎Experience Agritech Unleashed: Hawke’s Bay

Next week we’re looking forward to welcoming you to Agritech Unleashed: Hawke’s Bay, the first stop in AgriTechNZ’s brand new regional event series celebrating how our land and people are redefining agritech. Taking place in one of our most dynamic food-producing regions, this one-day event is your opportunity to connect with the people and technologies driving change in our sector.

Details:

• Date: Thursday 8 May
• Time: 8.30am – 6.00pm
• Location: Foodeast Haumako, Tomoana, Hastings, New Zealand
• Cost: $99 ($179 non-members)
• Unsure if you’re a member? Check here 

✨ What’s on at Techweek25?

With just three weeks to go until Techweek25, excitement is building for New Zealand’s annual festival of technology and innovation! With events spanning the motu from May 19-25, Techweek25 offers a powerful opportunity to connect with the tech community across Aotearoa. This week’s highlights include AWS headline event Foundations for Tomorrow: Reimagining New Zealand’s Digital Public Infrastructure on Tuesday 20 May – exploring how shared technological capabilities can transform service delivery across all sectors.

Airwallex presents The Secrets of Scale: Tips and Tools for Doing Business With the World on Thursday, May 22 at The Formery in Auckland. This exclusive evening features New Zealand’s most innovative global scale-up leaders sharing real-world stories and strategies for international success, with discussions on navigating regulatory hurdles, managing currency risk, building global teams, and adapting for diverse markets.

Looking to grow your export potential? New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is supporting exporters during Techweek25 with a series of virtual events, including strategies for early exporters, leveraging AI, navigating Singapore and opportunities in Brazil. Learn more.

If you’re interested in making a positive impact through smarter transport, attend T-Tech 2025 in Auckland, 9-10 July.

Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech

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Infrastructure, skills and innovation
Read full news here: Building Aotearoa’s digital future

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