Great news from Amazon

Radio NZ reports:

Amazon Web Services (AWS) is pressing on with plans to build a giant $7.5 billion data centre in Auckland, after receiving clearance from the Overseas Investment Office.

The global giant said decision the was an “important milestone” and brings it a step closer to delivering world-class computing services to New Zealand.

“Our investment includes building data centres, buying regional goods and services, operating utilities and facilities, and supporting wages and salaries that contribute to the local economy,” AWS country manager Tiffany Bloomquist said.

The major investment would create 1000 direct and indirect jobs, Bloomquist said, claiming it would add about $10.8b to the local economy over the next 15 years.

The centres would provide cloud-based storage facilities of data, so it could be accessed more quickly by local organisations.

This is a huge huge investment that dwarfs pretty much any other investment in New Zealand. It is extremely exciting for both the economic impact but also the Internet impact.