Mana in the machine: why Māori might consider investing in AI and data centres

Artificial intelligence is no longer just software. It is rapidly becoming core infrastructure, says Greg Cross (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Whakaue), founder of Eighty20 AI.

Speaking at the ANZ Māori Investors Forum 2025, Cross pointed to a global shift in how AI is understood and invested in, with billions flowing into the technologies and systems that support it.

He says the same trend is emerging in Aotearoa New Zealand, where growing interest in data centres is creating opportunities for Māori investors and iwi entities.

In his view, the long planning horizons and a strong sense of kaitiakitanga (stewardship), mean Māori are well placed to invest in AI infrastructure designed to deliver returns over decades.

“In the same way iwi have invested in other core infrastructure, such as electricity, AI is another important intergenerational opportunity.”

AI infrastructure has been identified by the International Energy Agency as having significant electricity demands. A typical data centre can consume as much power as 100,000 households.

These facilities also require substantial water for cooling. A medium-sized data centre can use water equivalent to the consumption of around 1,000 households.

“You do not have infrastructure without land, and you do not have a data centre without energy,” says Megan Tapsell (Ngāti Whakaue, Ngāti Pikiao, Ngāti Raukawa ki te Tonga), ANZ’s General Manager of Tech Delivery and former chair of the AI Forum.

“Many iwi are already exploring solar generation and hold geothermal assets, as well as land and water. These are all essential inputs for companies building data infrastructure.”

She says partnerships can create enduring revenue streams while embedding Māori values in how infrastructure is designed and operated.

“It is an opportunity to apply tikanga and values-based thinking to how data infrastructure is run, and how it supports our people over time.

“Investing in this space also means supporting infrastructure that benefits all of Aotearoa, while opening up commercial opportunities.”

She says, as data becomes central to business performance, the ability to collect and use it through AI is now critical.

“Data is the oil of the AI era,” says Cross. “It is a key raw material. The more you understand your people or your customers, the stronger your position will be.”

“If you do not know more about your customers than your competitors, you will struggle to compete in an AI-driven economy.”

Tapsell says Māori organisations need to invest in systems and skills to manage their own data effectively.

“We have a strong example in Te Pā Tūwatawata. It is a decentralised, iwi-designed and Māori-owned data storage network. It allows iwi to collect, access and control their own data using servers located on their land, including on marae.

“This supports rangatiratanga by giving iwi and hapū control over how their data is used and governed,” she says.

Whether through their own platforms or partnerships with global firms, Cross says investment helps ensure Māori interests remain protected.

“It allows data to be governed by tikanga and used in ways that strengthen cultural, social and economic wellbeing.

“If you want a seat at the table where major technology decisions are made, you need to be an investor and a participant, not just a consumer.”

He adds that organisations that embrace AI will be better placed to adapt and compete.

“Those that do not risk being left behind as AI reshapes the economy.”

For Tapsell, the opportunity goes beyond financial returns.

“Investment in AI infrastructure is also about skills, jobs, and growing the Māori economy. By getting involved, we can build capability and create pathways into high-value technology careers.”

She says participation in the design, construction, and operation of data centres can help develop local expertise.

“There are strong opportunities for knowledge transfer. Local teams can learn from global best practice, adapt it to Māori contexts, and become leaders in their own right.”

Cross says the long-term goal should be to equip future generations.

“We need to put these tools in the hands of our young people. We need to help them understand the potential and explore how they can use it to shape the future of technology in Aotearoa.”