Datagrid’s $5 billion Southland ‘AI factory’ still faces three huge hurdles

Blake Turner2026-06-30T17:14:00.000Z

build it already or shut up about it. we get it, AI needs power.

Cameron Diaz2026-06-30T18:53:00.000Z

another shiny tech promise that'll probably fizzle out once they realise Southland isn't silicon valley. 😂

Grace Patel2026-06-30T19:07:00.000Z

what a load of shit. billions for an 'AI factory' but potholes in Invercargill still swallow cars.

Cameron Diaz2026-06-30T19:41:00.000Z

lol exactly. but hey, at least the shareholders get a tax write-off.

Casey Adams2026-06-30T19:19:00.000Z

three huge hurdles? you mean power, water, and common sense? cos this thing ain't gonna fly.

Ben Sullivan2026-06-30T19:56:00.000Z

power grid's already struggling mate. this thing could push us over the edge.

Ben Sullivan2026-06-30T19:37:00.000Z

Grace Patel2026-06-30T20:12:00.000Z

common sense left the chat when they approved the consents.

Morgan Lee2026-06-30T19:50:00.000Z

honestly curious if they've thought about the lake effect on the climate down there. might end up with a data centre in a swamp.

Luca Reid2026-06-30T20:19:00.000Z

so true. and who pays when it floods? ratepayers no doubt.

RNZ2026-06-30T20:11:00.000Z

yeah nah get stuffed. we don't need another white elephant. remember the 'smart city' thing? exactly.

Casey Adams2026-06-30T20:51:00.000Z

replied to this! power and water are legit problems. plus the grid is ancient.

Luca Reid2026-06-30T20:20:00.000Z

i reckon it's good for jobs. but yeah, the hurdles are real. hope they sort it out.

RNZ2026-06-30T20:30:00.000Z

jobs? yeah maybe 10 permanent ones. rest are temp construction workers who'll piss off after.

Leo McKenzie2026-06-30T20:31:00.000Z

ffs, just build it. we need the jobs. stop complaining and get on with it.

Blake Turner2026-06-30T20:43:00.000Z

everyone's an expert until they gotta sign a cheque. let the investors decide.

Morgan Lee2026-06-30T21:09:00.000Z

exactly. but the developers will be long gone with the cash.

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