Landmark report reveals data centres as engines of NZ’s digital future

Minister for Energy and Climate Change Hon Simon Watts to launch a new study on New Zealand’s data centre infrastructure. The new research shows the sector underpins $93 billion in economic activity and positions New Zealand as global leader in sustainable digital infrastructure.

Data centres are the invisible engines powering Aotearoa New Zealand’s digital transformation, underpinning $16.5 billion in ICT GDP and enabling a further $76.5 billion in knowledge-intensive services, according to new research released today by NZTech.

The landmark report, Empowering Aotearoa New Zealand’s Digital Future – Our National Data Centre Infrastructure, reveals how this vital but often unseen sector is driving economic growth, creating high-value jobs, and positioning New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable digital infrastructure.

With 56 operational data centres across the country and 20 more planned or under construction, the sector directly employs over 1,000 people and supports 6,800 additional roles. This workforce is forecast to double by 2030, with up to 15,000 construction jobs expected as new centres are built.

“Data centres are the invisible engines of our digital world, powering everything from online banking and healthcare to the apps we use daily and the cloud services our businesses rely on. They are fundamental to the smooth running of our modern lives,” says Graeme Muller, CEO of NZTech.

Leading the world in sustainable digital infrastructure
The research highlights New Zealand’s unique position as a leader in sustainable data centre development. New Zealand data centres achieve an average Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) of 1.3, significantly outperforming the global average of 1.54, and are rapidly transitioning to 100% renewable energy sources.

This commitment to sustainability is driving major investment in clean energy projects across the country, with data centre operators partnering with renewable energy providers to expand New Zealand’s green energy capacity.

“For Aotearoa New Zealand, data centres are more than just critical infrastructure. They create high-value jobs, attract global investment and position us to lead in digital innovation, all while leveraging our renewable energy strengths,” says Graeme.

Economic powerhouse for regional growth
The report forecasts over $10 billion in investment over the next decade, which will generate significant tax revenue to support public services while boosting regional growth and creating new digital hubs across the country.

“By investing in sustainable, world-class data centres here in New Zealand, we’re not only supporting our own economy, we’re also creating opportunities for our communities and building resilience for the future. This is about ensuring that New Zealanders, and our businesses, have access to secure, reliable digital services for decades to come,” says Graeme Muller.

Supporting digital transformation across all sectors
NZTech’s research demonstrates how data centres underpin digital transformation across every sector of the New Zealand economy, from government services and healthcare to banking, e-commerce, and emerging AI applications.

With abundant renewable energy resources, a stable political climate, and proven innovation in energy and water efficiency, New Zealand is well-positioned to become a regional export hub for sustainable digital services.

About the research
NZTech’s research provides New Zealand-specific insights into the economic, environmental, and social impacts of data centres, including current industry data. The comprehensive analysis examines current capacity, future growth projections, energy efficiency measures, and the sector’s contribution to New Zealand’s broader digital economy.

Available for interview Please contact Graeme Muller: graeme.muller@nztech.org.nz or phone 021 0252 0767