As the Government pursues up to $30 billion in offshore investment for data centres and digital infrastructure, questions are emerging over who will ultimately control New Zealand’s digital future.
The issue is set to be explored in an interview with Catalyst IT founder Don Christie, one of New Zealand’s leading advocates for open-source technology and digital sovereignty, on Waatea Digital.
The Government has identified artificial intelligence, cloud computing and data centres as key drivers of future economic growth, with Invest New Zealand tasked with attracting billions of dollars in overseas capital over the next five years.
However, Christie argues New Zealand must carefully consider the long-term implications of relying on multinational technology companies to own and operate the country’s critical digital infrastructure.
A central question is how Aotearoa can welcome foreign investment while maintaining control over essential digital systems, public data and national capability.
Catalyst IT has long advocated for greater use of open-source technology and stronger investment in locally owned digital businesses. The organisation argues government procurement policies should support New Zealand-based innovation and reduce dependence on overseas technology providers.
The discussion also focuses on whether large foreign-owned data centres enhance New Zealand’s digital resilience or create a new form of technological dependence, with key infrastructure and strategic assets increasingly controlled offshore.
Another major issue is ensuring New Zealand retains ownership of both its data and the economic value generated by the rapidly expanding digital economy. As artificial intelligence becomes more deeply integrated into government and business services, concerns are growing about data governance, cybersecurity and long-term economic sovereignty.
For Māori, the conversation carries additional significance. Māori data sovereignty recognises data relating to Māori as a taonga, with expectations that collection, storage, governance and use should reflect Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and Māori aspirations for self-determination.
As New Zealand positions itself as a destination for global technology investment, questions remain over how Māori rights and interests will be protected within an increasingly international digital ecosystem.
The interview also examines what should be the country’s top priority for the next government: attracting offshore investment, growing New Zealand’s own technology sector, or ensuring digital and data sovereignty remain at the centre of future policy.
The discussion comes at a time when governments around the world are grappling with how to balance economic growth, technological innovation and national control over increasingly valuable digital assets.
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