Kia ora
September has highlighted how quickly IoT is becoming the foundation of a more connected, intelligent economy.
Earlier this month, I presented at the Connected Technology Alliance conference in Sydney on Bringing Intelligence into the Real World: Australia’s Physical AI Future. The discussion explored the role of connected devices, sensing, edge intelligence and trusted infrastructure in helping AI move beyond the screen and into practical, real-world applications. Read the highlights in my LinkedIn post.
I have also published a new article exploring what Physical AI can learn from 3.8 billion years of biological innovation. Nature offers proven lessons in sensing, adaptation, energy efficiency and coordination — principles that are increasingly relevant as we build more capable connected systems. Read the article.
Back home, NZ Tech Expo offered a valuable opportunity to see New Zealand’s IoT sector in action. IoT Forum members were among the exhibitors, showcasing connected technologies, live hardware and real-world deployments alongside the wider technology ecosystem, including sensing solutions already operating across New Zealand councils.
The Expo highlighted the growing maturity of the sector, with IoT increasingly visible not as a future concept, but as technology already delivering value in the field. Further down this newsletter, Executive Council member Edwin Lim explores the growing presence of connected products in the home — and the trust, privacy and data considerations that come with them — following this year’s Auckland Home Show.
We also invite IoT Forum members to join us for our Annual Meeting on 5 October at 1.30pm via Zoom. I will share an update on the Forum’s strategy and plans for the year ahead, and we will announce the results of the Executive Council nominations. Register here or learn more.
We’d love to hear from members about what monthly newsletter content, topics or updates would be most useful and relevant to you — please get in touch and let us know what you’d like to see included.
IoT News
Connected products, trust and consumer data: IoT at the Auckland Home Show
At this year’s Auckland Home Show, IoT Forum Executive Council member and technology lawyer Edwin Lim saw connected technology everywhere: security and automation, robotic mowers, pools, EV chargers and home batteries.
Edwin’s key message is simple: the most important feature is often invisible. Connected homes can collect detailed behavioural data. That raises important questions about privacy, transparency, data sharing, security updates and long-term product support.
As consumer adoption grows, suppliers that clearly explain what data their products collect, why it is used and how it is protected will be better placed to earn trust.
Read Edwin’s full article
Data centres: planning for New Zealand’s digital future
DataCentresNZ, another Tech New Zealand community, released its New Zealand Data Centre Strategy last month. The strategy calls for a planned, coordinated approach to building the data centre infrastructure New Zealand needs to support its growing digital economy.
New Zealand already has 56 data centres operating around the country. Collectively, they accounted for 0.6% of New Zealand’s electricity use in 2025.
As public discussion about data centres grows, it is important to separate fact from misconception. Key points include:
- Water: Modern data centres are designed to use water efficiently. Many new facilities use closed-loop cooling systems, which recirculate water in a similar way to a car radiator. The strategy notes that new data centres in New Zealand use about the same amount of water as a large family home.
- Electricity: Data centre development can help drive investment in new electricity generation and enabling infrastructure. The strategy emphasises that growth should be energy efficient, support New Zealand’s renewable-energy transition, and be coordinated with the needs of communities and other productive sectors.
- Jobs: New developments can support thousands of construction roles. They can also create long-term opportunities in operations, engineering, cybersecurity, facilities management and related digital services.
DataCentresNZ is working with government, industry and communities to establish a shared national approach to data centre development. The aim is to build resilient digital infrastructure that creates capability and economic opportunity, while meeting clear expectations for sustainability, transparency and value for Aotearoa New Zealand.
Read full news here: Physical AI, IoT in action and New Zealand’s data centre future | September Newsletter