New Zealand Cloud & Datacenter Convention 2025

ATTENDEES
Event Venue
6 November 2025
Pullman Auckland Hotel & Apartments
8:00 AM
-
6:00 PM

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Event Brief

New Zealand’s data center market is projected to generate over USD1.37 billion in revenue in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate of 5.23% through to 2029. As New Zealand accelerates its digital transformation journey, demand for resilient, scalable and sustainable infrastructure has never been greater. From cloud adoption and AI-driven workloads to sustainability mandates and interconnectivity across regions, the future of digital infrastructure hinges on collaboration and bold innovation. 

On 6th November 2025, New Zealand will play host to two landmark gatherings happening side by side - The New Zealand Cloud & Datacenter Convention 2025 and Interconnect World New Zealand 2025. Together, these events create the nation's most influential platform for exploring the future of digital infrastructure, connectivity and innovation.  

Delegates will gain exclusive insights into global and regional trends shaping cloud, data centers and interconnectivity- while also addressing New Zealand's unique opportunities and challenges. Expect interesting keynotes, panel debates, fireside chats and case studies covering topics such as AI, cloud computing, sustainability, cybersecurity and interconnectivity.

By convening these two powerhouse events concurrently, we are creating a comprehensive ecosystem conversation: from the core of the data center to the farthest edge of the network. This is not just a conference - it's a strategic meeting point for the people and ideas propelling New Zealand's digital economy forward.

Event Agenda
8:00 AM
-
8:50 AM
Princes Ballroom A
Registrations Open
9:00 AM
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9:10 AM
Princes Ballroom A
Powhiri Welcome Ceremony
9:10 AM
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9:40 AM
Princes Ballroom A
OPENING KEYNOTE: The Intelligence Era: AI, Cloud & the Data Centre of Tomorrow
Speaker
Scott Charter
Director AI Strategy, Oracle North America
9:40 AM
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10:05 AM
Princes Ballroom A
KEYNOTE: Unlocking the AI Data Centre Potential of New Zealand’s South Island

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

Speaker
Rémi Galasso
CEO, Datagrid NZ
10:05 AM
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10:45 AM
Princes Ballroom A
PANEL DISCUSSION: Open Access Datacentres and Connectivity: How does carrier neutrality impact colocation data centre operations, services & customer delivery?

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?

Speaker
Sam Excell
Head of Infrastructure Partners, Chorus
Moderator
Craig Young
CEO, TUANZ
Speaker
Ross Delaney
CEO, Datacentre220
Speaker
Matt Neil
Director Data Centres, Datacom
10:45 AM
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11:15 AM
Princes Ballroom B & C
Morning Break
11:15 AM
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11:35 AM
Princes Ballroom A
KEYNOTE: Speed, Scale, and Resilience: Powering the Next Generation of Data Centres

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.

Speaker
Parul Kapur
Head of Data Centre Business Development, Siemens
11:35 AM
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12:00 PM
Princes Ballroom A
KEYNOTE: Key Facts About the NZ Data Centre Sector: Planned Growth & Electricity Usage
Speaker
Graeme Muller
CEO, NZTech
12:00 PM
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12:20 PM
Princes Ballroom A
KEYNOTE: The Power of Proximity: Why data sovereignty is your next competitive advantage

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.

Speaker
Dr Stuart (Stu) Inglis PhD
Co-founder & CTO, Exaba
12:20 PM
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1:00 PM
Princes Ballroom A
PANEL DISCUSSION: Beyond the Blueprint: Rethinking Site Assessments for Next-Gen Data Centres
In today’s landscape of increasing energy demands, climate risks and regulatory pressures, traditional site evaluation is no longer enough. Site assessments are critical to ensuring resilience, scalability, security and sustainability. This panel will discuss the latest tools, methodologies and risk factors – from energy availability and cooling strategies to seismic resilience, physical security and regulatory compliance.
What new risk factors must be evaluated in the site selection process?
How can AI, digital twins and advanced analytics improve site planning?
What lessons can be learned from global best practices in resilient site design?
Speaker
Navid Golshani
Data Centre Electrical Lead (Australia), Stantec
Speaker
Matt Ryan
Customer & Growth Lead, Spark Data Centres
Moderator
Andrew Green
Data Centre Expert
Speaker
Peter Skipper
Director- New Zealand, DCI Data Centres
Speaker
Diana Hartley
Partner, DLA Piper
1:00 PM
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2:15 PM
Princes Ballroom B & C
Lunch
2:15 PM
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2:45 PM
Princes Ballroom A
KEYNOTE: The Fifth Compute: Humanity’s Next Frontier

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.

Speaker
Nabeel Mahmood
Global CXO, Technology Executive, Board Director, Nomad Futurist
2:45 PM
-
3:05 PM
Princes Ballroom A
KEYNOTE: The price of progress: unpacking global data center construction costs

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.

Speaker
Simon Kearney
Data Centre Lead, Australia and New Zealand, Turner & Townsend
3:05 PM
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3:30 PM
Princes Ballroom A
KEYNOTE: Global insights, local impact: Legal trends shaping the future of data centre infrastructure in New Zealand

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.

Speaker
Nick Byrnes
Special Counsel, DLA Piper
3:30 PM
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4:00 PM
Princes Ballroom B & C
Afternoon Break
4:00 PM
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4:40 PM
Princes Ballroom A
PANEL DISCUSSION: AI-Driven Infrastructure for Smarter, Greener and More Resilient Digital Future
From predictive maintenance and energy optimization to autonomous cooling and intelligent site design, AI is redefining efficiency, resilience and sustainability. As AI transforms every layer of the digital ecosystem, the next generation of infrastructure must be intelligent, efficient and sustainable. This panel will explore how AI is enabling smarter operations, greener energy use and greater resilience across data, cloud and connectivity – shaping the foundation of a more adaptive and future-ready digital world.
Speaker
Benjamin Black
Head of Technology, Datagrid NZ
Speaker
Matthew Cowie
Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services, EY New Zealand
Speaker
Darren McSorley
Mission Critical Market Sector Director, NDY
Speaker
Scott Charter
Director AI Strategy, Oracle North America
Moderator
Bharti Raniga
Technical Director, Project Management, Aurecon
4:40 PM
-
5:10 PM
Princes Ballroom A
CLOSING DIALOGUE: Future-Ready Skills for Cloud & Data Centre Ecosystems
Moderator
Adam Gibson
Advisor - Content, Speakers & Marketing, W. Media
Speaker
Nabeel Mahmood
Global CXO, Technology Executive, Board Director, Nomad Futurist
5:10 PM
-
6:00 PM
Princes Ballroom B & C
Networking Drinks
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FAQ
  • What do I need to bring for registration on event day?

    Please bring the registration confirmation email with QR code sent to your email to the registration area in order to get a badge printed to enter the event.

  • Where can I find my QR code for registration?

    Upon successful completion of registration through the W.Media website, your QR code will be sent to your email address.

  • Can I bring my colleague along? Does he/she need to register?

    Cloud and Datacenter professionals and media partners are welcome to attend. All attendees must register on the W.Media event page.

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