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As New Zealand’s only Oracle Dedicated Regions partner, we’re proud to be leading the charge in sovereign cloud infrastructure. But with any innovation, misconceptions tend to follow. Whether it’s confusion about who owns what, where your data really sits, or what legal jurisdictions apply, we’re here to set the record straight.
Let’s bust five of the most common myths we hear about TEAM Cloud.
Myth 1: “Data stored in TEAM Cloud is still subject to the US CLOUD Act.”
Fact Check: False.
This is one of the biggest misconceptions we encounter. While it may be true for data stored with global cloud hyperscalers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, or OCI Public—even when that data is physically hosted in New Zealand—it’s not true for TEAM Cloud.
Why?
Because TEAM Cloud is 100% New Zealand operated, hosted, and supported. Your data never leaves New Zealand jurisdiction. It is not subject to foreign legal instruments like the U.S. CLOUD Act, which applies to companies headquartered in the United States. TEAM Cloud is a New Zealand-registered business, independently operated, and not owned by a foreign entity.
Bottom line: Your data stays here, and under New Zealand law.
Data sovereignty is a complex topic, if you'd like to learn more about it please don't hesitate to get in touch.
Myth 2: “TEAM Cloud is just another Oracle office or subsidiary.”
Fact Check: Definitely not.
TEAM Cloud is not owned by Oracle. We are a locally owned and operated cloud provider, proudly backed by iwi investment through Ngāti Toa Rangatira, and operating in partnership with Oracle through the Oracle Alloy and Dedicated Regions program.
So, what does that mean?
Oracle Alloy is a global initiative that enables select, trusted local partners to run their own sovereign environment of Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Unlike traditional cloud resellers or hosting partners, we operate and support hyperscale Oracle cloud offerings, right here in New Zealand.
Oracle provides the global-grade cloud technology. We provide the local operations, governance, and support.
Myth 3: “You can’t run real enterprise workloads with TEAM Cloud.”
Fact Check: False.
This one couldn’t be further from the truth. In fact, Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) - the technology behind TEAM Cloud - is used by some of the world’s largest companies and governments.
We provide:
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High-performance compute and storage
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Autonomous databases and analytics
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Kubernetes and container services
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Built-in security and compliance frameworks
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Integration with existing Oracle, Microsoft, and open-source workloads
And because it’s fully sovereign, TEAM Cloud is trusted by government agencies, health providers, financial institutions, and businesses with complex compliance requirements.
Myth 4: “Sovereign cloud means lower quality or fewer features.”
Fact Check: Not with TEAM Cloud.
Many assume that to achieve data sovereignty, you have to compromise on performance, flexibility, or services. That may be true with smaller local providers or private cloud setups - but not with TEAM Cloud.
Because we run Oracle Cloud Infrastructure, our customers get:
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Enterprise-grade performance
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150 IaaS and PaaS services offered by Oracle Public Cloud
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Access to global R&D and security updates
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Local service-level support from our Wellington based TEAM IM team
You no longer have to choose between sovereignty and capability - you get both.
Myth 5: “It’s safer to go with AWS or Microsoft because they’re the biggest.”
Fact Check: Bigger doesn’t always mean better, especially in a New Zealand compliance context.
Global hyperscalers have extensive capabilities, but they also bring jurisdictional risk, offshored support, and less alignment with local legal frameworks. For sensitive or regulated industries in New Zealand, these are non-trivial concerns.
With TEAM Cloud, you can:
- Meet New Zealand government procurement and security expectations
- Experience significantly improved latency and performance
- Avoid legal ambiguity under overseas laws
- Support a local tech ecosystem - including iwi ownership and reinvestment in New Zealand
- Get hands - on help from a team based in your time zone
Why It Matters
Sovereign cloud isn’t just about geography - it’s about governance, control, and trust. At TEAM Cloud, we’re not just another cloud provider. We’re:
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A New Zealand-owned and operated business
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The country’s only Oracle Alloy partner
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Backed by the powerful Oracle Cloud Infrastructure platform
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Supported by a kaupapa of local accountability and reinvestment
Whether you’re dealing with privacy-sensitive workloads, government contracts, or just want to know your data’s not crossing borders, it pays to separate fact from fiction.
Ready to Make the Move?
Get in touch with our expert team for a free consultation or download our Sovereign Cloud Playbook for NZ Organisations to see what questions you should be asking your current cloud provider.
Your data. Your rules. Our cloud. That’s the TEAM Cloud promise.