New secure data centre Mātai opens at RNZAF Base Auckland

The Government Communications Security Bureau has formally taken possession of a new all-of-government data centre located at RNZAF Base Auckland, following an opening ceremony.

The facility will provide a centralised and secure environment for the processing and storage of some of New Zealand's most sensitive government information. The data centre, named Mātai, was built after several years of planning involving collaboration between multiple government agencies and local iwi Ngati Whātua o Kaipara.

Milestone for digital infrastructure

GCSB Director-General Andrew Clark described the inauguration of the data centre as an important advancement in the progression of the country'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 acknowledged the collective work and dedication of all parties involved in the development of the site, noting the particular combination of requirements and expectations that the project demanded.

"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."

Partnership with mana whenua

Clark paid tribute to Ngati Whātua o Kaipara, who played a meaningful role in the project by gifting the name Mātai to the building. He explained the cultural and geographic significance of the name in the context of the region's history.

"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."

Defence Force collaboration

The facility is located within the Whenuapai base perimeter, a site that offered the necessary amenities and level of security required for the project. Clark emphasised the value of this relationship and the benefits it brings to the operation of the data centre.

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

Leadership in information security

The GCSB is responsible for managing the data centre as the lead agency for information security across government, supporting the wider public sector's requirements for digital safeguarding. The project is positioned as a reflection of the increasing significance of digital resilience and the importance of secure facilities for national data.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior officials, with the centre officially opened by Minister Responsible for the GCSB and Minister of Defence Judith Collins. The new facility is anticipated to play a fundamental role in advancing the government's data security and response capabilities as digital needs and security challenges continue to grow.