New Zealand GCSB opens all-of-government data centre

New Zealand’s Government Communications Security Bureau (GCSB) has taken possession of a new all-of-government data centre, following an opening ceremony at RNZAF Base Auckland.

GCSB Director-General Andrew Clark said the opening marks an important milestone in the maturity of New Zealand’s secure digital infrastructure.

“This is an investment that has been years in the planning, due to the role of this facility in processing and storing some of our most sensitive government information,” he said.

In marking the milestone, Clark commended the commitment of all those involved in creating a building that combines security, resilience, technical requirements and innovation.

“Both the design and location of the facility were informed by a number of factors, including our unique environment and New Zealand’s specific data storage needs,” he said. “A key partner in this build has been with mana whenua Ngati Whātua o Kaipara, who have generously gifted the name Mātai to the building. The name comes from the site of an ancestral Pā, Rangi Mātai at Ōtakanini in South Kaipara, and from where you can see in all directions.

“Also integral to the project has been the support of the New Zealand Defence Force, with Mātai located within the Whenuapai base perimeter.”

The data centre will be operated by the GCSB, as the government’s lead agency for information security.

The data centre was officially opened by the Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence, Judith Collins.

Image credit: iStock.com/Ridofranz