An early artist impression of Datagrid's data centre in Makarewa, north of Invercargill. Photo: LDR/SUPPLIEDSouthern mayors have thrown their support behind a new data centre which is set to become the country's second-highest electricity user. Southland mayor Rob Scott said the data centre had been on the cards for "quite a long time" and was a good opportunity for the region. He said a cable coming onshore at Ōreti Beach meant the city would have the fastest internet in the country, which could attract tech companies. Trenching along the beach could impact cultural and spiritual values, lead to the discovery of cultural artefacts, and disturb toheroa, he wrote.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 13, 2026 23:27 UTC