An early impression of Datagrid's data centre, which would become the country's second highest electricity user. Image: SuppliedInvercargill mayor Tom Campbell is standing by his view that a new cable for a large AI data centre will not impact the environment at Ōreti Beach, despite a report saying otherwise. Last week, Datagrid announced it had gained consent from the region’s councils for a giant 78,000sqm data centre in Makarewa — about 15 minutes north of Invercargill. Leersnyder highlighted a risk of disturbance to marine mammals during underwater cable placement, especially whales and dolphins because of sound and vibration. Work would be suspended if marine mammals were within 500 metres during underwater cable laying, and equipment with emission levels of 210dB would be started gradually.

Source: Otago Daily Times March 17, 2026 01:47 UTC