New Zealand Cloud & Datacenter Convention 2025

New Zealand’s South Island is emerging as one of the most compelling frontiers for next-generation AI data centres. With its abundant renewable energy, cool climate, and strategic connectivity to global markets, the region offers a rare combination of sustainability, scalability, and resilience.
In this keynote, Datagrid will explore how Invercargill and the wider South Island can become a critical hub in the global AI infrastructure map. Attendees will learn about the technological innovations driving data centre efficiency, the role of green energy in powering large-scale AI workloads, and the investment pathways that can unlock this potential.
By showcasing Datagrid’s vision and roadmap, this session will highlight why the South Island is not just a location, but a strategic advantage for the future of AI and cloud infrastructure

As New Zealand accelerates its digital transformation, the need for open, scalable, and resilient data infrastructure has never been greater. This panel brings together key players from across the ecosystem—datacentre operators, fibre providers, and government-backed initiatives—to explore how we can foster a more connected, competitive, and collaborative digital environment. What does “open access” really mean in the NZ context? How can we align commercial innovation with national
digital priorities? And what are the business benefits that occur because of carrier neutrality?

In today’s fast-paced digital economy, data centres are at the core of transformation and innovation. As the demand for more capacity and efficiency grows, operators face the dual challenge of delivering infrastructure with exceptional speed and ensuring reliable power access. As New Zealand accelerates the development of its digital infrastructure, the pressure to build faster, at scale, and with resilience intensifies. This session explores how modular construction, prefabricated systems, and early engagement with OEMs and utilities are reshaping the delivery of data centres. By implementing factory-built power rooms, E-houses, and integrated skids, delivery timelines can be reduced by up to 40%. Beyond speed, we’ll discuss how these solutions enhance resilience, simplify grid connections, and create a foundation for future growth in an era of AI, edge computing, and sustainability pressures.

In a cloud world obsessed with scale, performance, and convenience, one factor is rapidly regaining strategic importance: location. As the cost of latency rises, compliance risks escalate, and AI workloads demand localised data access, the importance of keeping data close, physically and jurisdictionally – has never been greater. This keynote explores the resurgence of sovereign-first strategies in global data infrastructure. From regulatory shifts and AI training needs to the operational risk of hyperscaler reliance, we’ll unpack how location-aware storage isn’t just a compliance checkbox—it’s a performance and business enabler.

In this keynote, Nabeel explores the current “state of the union” across cloud, AI, ML, AGI, quantum, and biological computing,  separating hype from reality and examining where we truly are in this technological evolution. He’ll dive into the future of data as it expands beyond Earth, from orbital and lunar data centres to interplanetary networks that could support life and exploration across the solar system. What happens when AI ecosystems begin learning without us? How do we address the growing human capital deficit and ensure that intelligence;  artificial or otherwise serves humanity, not the other way around? Finally, Nabeel will challenge the audience to think about sustainability and purpose – how to build a regenerative, carbon-neutral digital civilization and play an active role in shaping a future where technology and humanity advance together.

The data center market remains one of the most dynamic and fast-growing sectors of the global economy. In this rapidly evolving landscape, understanding the costs associated with data center construction is essential for maintaining a competitive edge.
Now in its ninth year, Turner & Townsend’s Data Center Cost Index (DCCI) continues to be the industry’s only construction-specific cost index, offering unmatched insights to help businesses navigate this complex sector.
In this presentation, Simon Kearney, Data Center Lead for Australia and New Zealand, will reveal the findings from the 2025 DCCI survey. His keynote will highlight shifting cost dynamics across 52 global markets, with a particular emphasis on trends in the Asia Pacific region.
Simon will also explore how AI and machine learning are transforming infrastructure requirements, accelerating innovation in power and cooling technologies. The session will conclude with an analysis of regional growth patterns and emerging opportunities.
Attendees can expect a data-driven, forward-looking presentation that underscores the strategic importance of cost intelligence in shaping the future of digital infrastructure.

Data centres are rapidly emerging as a critical infrastructure asset class in New Zealand. In this session, DLA Piper Special Counsel Nick Byrnes explores international legal and market trends shaping the data centre sector and how these are likely to impact New Zealand. Key themes include cross-border investment strategies, ESG-aligned models, infrastructure challenges, and the potential for new forms of data centre developments. Drawing on global experience and market knowledge, this session will provide practical insights for all data centre participants.