Angus Dowell: Politicians love comparing NZ’s economy to Singapore or Ireland – but it’s simplistic and misleading

Unveiling Amazon Web Services’ long-awaited NZ$7.5 billion “cloud region” – a cluster of local data centres – Prime Minister Christopher Luxon specifically referenced Ireland and Singapore as “two economies we often look to for inspiration on investment and technology”.

This kind of comparison has been a familiar refrain in New Zealand politics. More than a decade ago, then prime minister John Key imagined the country as the “Switzerland of the South Pacific”.

Frank Newman: The arrival of Amazon

There is increasing discussion in the business press about the changing nature of retail spending and the affect this is having on the demand for retail space. This is a matter of keen interest to commercial property investors.

The debate on this issue has become more prevalent in Australia, with the imminent arrival of Amazon.  In April Amazon announced it was looking for a location for an Australian distribution facility, and said it was about to establish a branch office in Australian to oversee its operations. It is quite likely that it will use the Australian base to service its New Zealand customers.

Brian Gaynor: Amazon’s Aussie move spells danger for NZ retailers

The direct entry of Amazon.com into the Australian market is another step in the company’s attempt to conquer the world. The online retailer’s establishment across the Tasman could create major issues for New Zealand retailers and retail property owners.

Amazon is one of a handful of companies – including Apple, Facebook and Google – that are changing the world. But the big difference is that Amazon is attempting to disrupt existing operators while the other three are essentially offering new and unique products.