Unlocking green economic growth, local jobs and community benefits
New Zealand is gaining recognition as a location for data centres. Its renewable energy, available land, temperate climate, connectivity and secure operating environment create a strong proposition for the next generation of digital infrastructure.
BCG’s February 2026 report, Data Centres as Strategic Infrastructure: Unlocking Value for NZ Inc, set out the case for New Zealand as a destination for data centres. Our latest analysis identifies the potential for 1GW+ of new compute capacity over the next five years, an increase from the 600MW base scenario modelled in the February 2026 report.
Responsible data centre development has the potential to help stimulate the economy and provide digital infrastructure for a more productive, innovative New Zealand. Delivering 1GW+ of new compute capacity could see the country capture 0.5% of global compute capacity in 2030. Developing data centres and the supporting fibre and energy infrastructure could attract $25–35 billion of locally retained private investment, creating up to 3,500 jobs at the construction peak and 1,200 ongoing operational jobs once construction is complete.
Capturing this opportunity will depend on how development is managed. New renewable generation will need to keep pace with demand, water practices will need to reflect local conditions, workforce capacity will need to expand, and communities and mana whenua need a meaningful role in shaping local benefits.
This report sets out four go-forward priorities for action:
- A joined-up data centre industry
- Skills and workforce enablement
- Benefits for Kiwis
- Policy settings