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Amazon pledge billions for NZ data centres

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Amazon will spend $NZ7.5 billion and create 1000 new jobs over the next 15 years in New Zealand.
Camera IconAmazon will spend $NZ7.5 billion and create 1000 new jobs over the next 15 years in New Zealand. Credit: AAP

New Zealand is looking forward to an Amazon delivery worth billions of dollars as the tech giant commits to building a series of data centres in the country.

The company estimates the build by Amazon Web Services (AWS) - worth $NZ7.5 billion ($A7.3b) - will create 1000 new jobs over the next 15 years.

"AWS supports thousands of organisations across New Zealand in their drive to innovate, succeed, and grow globally," company official Prasad Kalyanaraman said in a statement.

"We are excited to build new world-class infrastructure locally, train New Zealanders with in-demand digital skills, and continue to help local organisations deliver applications that accelerate digital transformation and fuel economic growth."

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The project would allow users to run applications and serve end users from data centres located in New Zealand, "ensuring that customers who want to keep their data in New Zealand are able to do so", Kalyanaraman said.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern called the investment "fantastic".

"This is an incredibly exciting development for New Zealand. In my view this major investment in cloud services recognises we're a great place to do business," she said.

"It also opens up a whole host of opportunities, as cloud-based technologies play an important part in our increasingly digital economy."

AWS has had a small New Zealand-based office since 2014.

It is separate to Amazon's online shopping operation, which is only available to New Zealanders through Australia.

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