Kia ora,
Data centres have quietly become the backbone of our digital economy, but their full impact has never been properly quantified, until now.
This week, alongside Hon Simon Watts, Minister for Energy and Climate Change, we’re unveiling our latest landmark report: Empowering Aotearoa New Zealand’s Digital Future – Our National Data Centre Infrastructure.
💫 The invisible engines powering our world
Every time you check your banking app, stream a movie, or use cloud-based tools at work, you’re relying on data centres working behind the scenes. These facilities store, process and manage the information that keeps our economy and communities connected.
🌱 Why this research matters to you
Our findings reveal how data centres are driving economic transformation across Aotearoa. They’re creating thousands of high-value jobs, attracting billions in investment, and positioning us as a global leader in sustainable digital infrastructure.
For our members, this represents real opportunities. Whether you’re in construction, digital innovation, renewable energy or tech services, the data centre boom is creating growth potential spanning every sector of our economy.
🌏 Leading the world, our way
As AI reshapes how we live and work, robust data centre infrastructure isn’t just nice to have, it’s essential. Our research shows how Aotearoa’s unique strengths in renewable energy and naturally cool climate are attracting international investment. It shows that digital growth and environmental responsibility aren’t just compatible, they’re powerful together.
📩 On Thursday, we’ll be sharing the full findings and comprehensive insights at our launch event. If you’re not joining us in person, you’ll still receive the complete report directly in your inbox.
Surging to $11.4b, tech is NZ’s third-largest export earner
New Zealand’s tech sector has cemented its position as the nation’s third-largest export earner in 2024, with $11.4b in goods and services heading offshore, behind only dairy and tourism. Software continues to lead the charge, growing at an average 22% annually over the past decade.
Drawing on official data, NZTech’s Tech Sector Key Metrics report provides a consolidated view of performance across exports, GDP, investment, skills and talent. This year’s snapshot shows a sector powering growth while signalling critical pressure points:
- Economic weight: $23.8b contribution to GDP (+5.5% YoY), now 8% of the economy.
- Workforce shifts: employment down 2,100 to 119,520 (4.8% of national workforce).
- Skills squeeze: international ICT visas fell to 729 in 2024 (−67% YoY), raising competitiveness concerns amid global demand for digital talent.
- Investment momentum: startups secured $467m across 146 deals; software, clean tech and health tech led activity. ICT R&D spend reached $1.15b, 29% of national business R&D.
- Education signals: 13,240 Year 13 students took technology subjects (+10% YoY). Diversity gaps persist: women 27.5% of IT degree enrolments; Māori participation at 8%.
Key takeaway: Our tech economy remains a global contender and a growing export engine, but targeted action on skills, education and inclusion is essential to sustain momentum.
Would you like to help shape Government procurement?
New Zealand Government Procurement (NZGP) is refreshing its Business Reference Group (BRG) and inviting supplier voices to help shape procurement policy and practice. We’re encouraging our members to apply to join the BRG, contribute sector insights, and collaborate with peers to improve outcomes for business and government. The more tech experts in this group the better for NZ Inc, as all sectors now rely on digital technologies. Please share this information with colleagues to ensure diverse perspectives are represented. If you or someone in your network is passionate about a smarter, more connected procurement system, please apply to join the BRG.
Nominations for the EdTechNZ Executive Council close on 15 September. The BioTechNZ Annual Meeting is on 17 September.
Ngā mihi nui,
Graeme Muller
CEO
NZTech
Why do data centres matter?
Read full news here: Powering our everyday lives