AI is changing buildings, but data security is being underestimated
Early this year, an Auckland developer encountered an unexpected issue during the final acceptance stage of a project.
Early this year, an Auckland developer encountered an unexpected issue during the final acceptance stage of a project.
Construction was complete, smart access control, parking management and surveillance systems were all operating, and sales were going well. The developer had assumed buyers would be most interested in layouts, views and school zones. Yet at an owners’ briefing, the most frequently asked questions were about something else:
“Where is the data captured by these cameras stored?” “Can the property manager see my entry and exit records?” “What happens if the system is hacked?”
The developer later reflected: “People used to focus on bricks, concrete and fit-out standards when buying a home. Now they’re starting to care about data and privacy.”
This shift is hardly surprising.
Early in 2026, New Zealand’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner launched an investigation into a data breach at healthcare platform Manage My Health. The incident involved a large volume of sensitive health information and quickly attracted nationwide attention.
Although the incident occurred in healthcare, its implications extend across all industries. More New Zealanders are recognising that personal information has become another important asset in the digital age. Data security is also becoming an unavoidable issue for construction, property and property management.
Over the past decade, smart buildings have developed far faster than many expected. Access control, number plate recognition, smart parking, visitor management, energy monitoring, remote operation and maintenance—digital systems are taking over an increasing range of tasks that once relied on people.
For developers, these systems can enhance a project’s value. For property management companies, they can improve efficiency. For owners, they offer greater convenience and comfort.
At the same time, a new issue is emerging. Smarter systems mean increasingly centralised data.
A modern apartment building generates vast amounts of data every day. Vehicle entry and exit records, visitor registration details, surveillance footage from communal areas, access authorisation records, equipment operating status and energy consumption data are continuously collected and stored. Managed properly, this information can help property managers improve service quality and operational efficiency. Managed poorly, it can create new risks. As a result, more developers are incorporating data security into project planning.
Just as fire protection systems, structural safety and building regulations have always required consideration, data security is now becoming an important measure of building quality. This shift is closely linked to wider conditions in New Zealand.
As digitalisation advances, concern about privacy protection continues to grow across New Zealand society. Government agencies, businesses and ordinary consumers alike are paying closer attention to how data is used and managed. Customers no longer care only about whether systems work; they also want to know whether those systems can be trusted.
For the vast majority of users, technology itself is not the ultimate goal. What really matters is: Is my information secure? Is my privacy protected? Do I retain control over my data? These questions may seem simple, but they are influencing decisions on an increasing number of projects.