New Zealand Cloud & Datacenter Convention 2025

The government has a 10-year vision, “Lifting Connectivity in Aotearoa,” to improve access to digital networks for all New Zealanders, with a specific focus on rural and remote areas. This panel discussion will discuss : Vision 2030 for NZ – How can NZ become a key interconnect hub between APAC and Oceania? Emphasizing on digital equity by balancing subsea investments and rural connectivity. How can government, industry and global players work together? How will NZ prepare for exponential AI workloads and cloud adoption?

New Zealand is actively improving rural connectivity through public-private partnerships like the Rural Connectivity Group (RCG), which has built new cell towers to boost mobile and broadband services. Programs like the Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI) and the Rural Mobile Programme have expanded access for homes, businesses, schools, and health providers, addressing gaps in coverage due to challenging geography and low population density. This fire-side chat will discuss further initiatives taken to strengthen rural connectivity.

New Zealand’s nationwide 3G network shutdown commences on 31 December 2025, with the last providers shutting down their network by 31 March 2026. This shutdown marks the end for any devices reliant on 3G, affecting not only IoT manufacturers but also businesses, emergency alert systems, and rural applications still tied to the legacy network. The transition poses operational risks and upgrade costs for firms clinging to outdated hardware, but it also opens opportunities to leverage the performance and connectivity advantages of 4G and 5G infrastructure. This fire-side chat will access NZ’s readiness in embracing 5G and explore strategies to tackle the transition challenges from 3G to 5G. 

In New Zealand, telecom sustainability in 2025 focuses on reducing the sector’s direct environmental footprint through new technologies, renewable energy, and circular economy initiatives, alongside leveraging connectivity to enable sustainability in other sectors like agriculture and transport. While industry-specific data is limited, general trends include increased corporate reporting, pressure for improved climate action, the transition to future-proof networks (like fibre), and efforts to manage electronic waste. Key challenges include ensuring sustainable growth, developing clear ESG metrics, and adapting to evolving regulations. This telco-focused panel will reveal impactful initiatives, success stories and challenges in driving sustainable interconnectivity.

This panel discussion will delve deep into some of the latest technologies coming into the connectivity space in New Zealand. How satellite internet is transforming NZ’s digital future? What are the emerging technologies New Zealanders need to prepare themselves for?  How will AI impact the digital connectivity ecosystem?