New Zealand iTunes Store Coming Wednesday?

[MacRumors]

http://www.macrumors.com/images/macrumorsthreadlogo.gif (http://www.macrumors.com)

The New Zealand Herald suggests that New Zealand's iTunes Store may come in a matter of days (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/search/story.cfm?storyid=0001D3C0-FD92-156F-B9F083027AF10142). According to the site, Apple will be interviewing with the Herald and a couple other members from the New Zealand press on Wednesday morning.

All we're allowed to do is let you know that it's an interview with a senior Apple person and that that person will be making an announcement.

Of course, Apple's representative declined to comment on specifics citing corporate policy. Recently, a blogger claimed to have found New Zealand flag images (http://10layers.com/2006/11/itunes-new-zealand-ready-to-launch/) on Apple's iTunes content servers.

[backsidetailsli]

i guess thats good news if you live in new zealand!
congrats

[Chundles]

iTunes Store in Un Zed?

Thet's choice eh cuz?!

[mahonmeister]

I wasn't quite sure where New Zealand was until I saw "The Worlds Fastest Indian" a few days ago. Good to know they will have iTunes content available. Do they have physical Apple stores down there?

[Nermal]

Of course, Apple's representative declined to comment on specifics citing corporate policy. Recently, a blogger claimed to have found New Zealand flag images (http://10layers.com/2006/11/itunes-new-zealand-ready-to-launch/) on Apple's iTunes content servers.

I remember seeing them in April last year. In fact, I took this screenshot back in April after playing around.

I wasn't quite sure where New Zealand was until I saw "The Worlds Fastest Indian" a few days ago. Good to know they will have iTunes content available. Do they have physical Apple stores down there?

No.

[samh004]

I wasn't quite sure where New Zealand was until I saw "The Worlds Fastest Indian" a few days ago. Good to know they will have iTunes content available. Do they have physical Apple stores down there?

Apple in New Zealand is handled by a company called Renaissance (http://www.apple.co.nz/), they jack up the prices even higher than they should be and generally screw the whole of New Zealand, and there's nothing anybody can do unfortunately.

I must say I was waiting for this for a while, if they put their local content on there then they'll do well, they have some very good artists, and loads of sweet chill-out.

I might have to buy a ticket over just so I can buy some quality NZ music, that they are still loading far too slowly onto the aussie store.

[Chundles]

I wasn't quite sure where New Zealand was until I saw "The Worlds Fastest Indian" a few days ago. Good to know they will have iTunes content available. Do they have physical Apple stores down there?

*shakes head in amazement at what they don't teach in US geography classes*

There are no physical Apple stores south of the equator. Apple has an Australian division so we have official resellers and premium resellers etc that sell their products at the same prices as the apple.com/au store. My closest physical Apple store is in either Japan or Honolulu - both considerable distances.

Un Zed doesn't have an Apple presence, their iTunes Store would be run from here and they purchase Quicktime Pro etc using a specified address in Australia from the Australian online Apple Store. Macs and stuff are available from Renaissance - the reseller there - but they are not bound by any Apple pricing policies so there is quite a markup on products.

I'm patiently waiting for an official Apple Store in Sydney - they'd be mad not to put on in, affluent society, the city itself is larger than Toronto or Montréal or Calgary and many cities in the US that boast one or more Apple Stores and damn it'd be a pretty place to put one.

[winmacguy]

iTunes Store in Un Zed?

Thet's choice eh cuz?!

You seem to be rather familiar with the choice Nu Zild accent there Chundles?!;)

[iamfiremansam]

YAY for me! And the rest of us down here in New Zealand. And who doesn't know where New Zealand is!?!?!?!?

[winmacguy]

I wasn't quite sure where New Zealand was until I saw "The Worlds Fastest Indian" a few days ago. Good to know they will have iTunes content available. Do they have physical Apple stores down there?

Only authorized Apple reseller stores as well as Apple stuff sold through electronics and appliance retailers.

[Chris14]

Oh Please let this be true...
We New Zealanders have been without ITMS for FAR TOO LONG!
Now I can finally use iTunes' "Get Album Art" function :)

[samh004]

I'm patiently waiting for an official Apple Store in Sydney - they'd be mad not to put on in, affluent society, the city itself is larger than Toronto or Montréal or Calgary and many cities in the US that boast one or more Apple Stores and damn it'd be a pretty place to put one.

I think Apple would be hard-pressed not to eventually add some Australian stores, first Sydney, then Melbourne and finally Brisbane. Then they can get their products out of places like Harvey Norman and Domayne, where the sales people try steer you away from macs and just sell macs so they can sell iPods...

But back on the New Zealand topic, I hope they take back Apple New Zealand at some point from renaissance, it's not a very large market, but it's got to hurt somewhat that Renaissance is making a killing off New Zealanders, in return for less of them switching to macs...

[winmacguy]

YAY for me! And the rest of us down here in New Zealand. And who doesn't know where New Zealand is!?!?!?!?

Lots of Americans by the sound of things:eek: :D

[iamfiremansam]

Lots of Americans by the sound of things:eek: :D
Where's America? Haha

[winmacguy]

Where's America? Haha

Who cares?:cool:

[mahonmeister]

*shakes head in amazement at what they don't teach in US geography classes*

There are no physical Apple stores south of the equator. Apple has an Australian division so we have official resellers and premium resellers etc that sell their products at the same prices as the apple.com/au store. My closest physical Apple store is in either Japan or Honolulu - both considerable distances.

Un Zed doesn't have an Apple presence, their iTunes Store would be run from here and they purchase Quicktime Pro etc using a specified address in Australia from the Australian online Apple Store. Macs and stuff are available from Renaissance - the reseller there - but they are not bound by any Apple pricing policies so there is quite a markup on products.

I'm patiently waiting for an official Apple Store in Sydney - they'd be mad not to put on in, affluent society, the city itself is larger than Toronto or Montréal or Calgary and many cities in the US that boast one or more Apple Stores and damn it'd be a pretty place to put one.

Public education sucks. I learned my geography on Google Earth. To my own credit, I knew that New Zealand was near Australia, just didn't know where.

I'm kinda shocked there aren't any stores south of the equator. Who am I to complain about driving 30mins to the closest Apple Store.

[Nermal]

Apple in New Zealand is handled by a company called Renaissance (http://www.apple.co.nz/), they jack up the prices even higher than they should be and generally screw the whole of New Zealand, and there's nothing anybody can do unfortunately.

ADS (http://www.appledirectseller.com/) is attempting to do something about it :)

[Erasmus]

Who Cares???

New Zealand is teensy. The Australia store should be given movie downloads first. New Zealanders should be barred from any form of iTMS. They after all have more sheep than people over there :D.

OK, How's this concession? New Zealand can have their iTMS on the condition they promise NEVER to beat us Aussies in Rugby Union again. I think that's fair.

League sucks. Union Rules. We beat you in League, but that does nothing to deaden the pain in my heart watching my country get walloped by the Union All Blacks. :mad:

Seriously though, Good for you guys! I think it's about time that Apple offered us both Movie downloads as well though, don't you?

At least we know we both can always beat the American Rugby team :D

BTW, In case you didn't realise, I love Rugby!

That Renaissance thing sounds pretty bad. Hope they don't have their contract renewed, cos it sounds like they really are screwing all you guys... Sounds like a fantastic business opportunity to replace them.

[the.snitch]

Woohoo this will be great news if true, living in En Zed myself.

Now we just need Apple to set up a proper division here and leave renaissance out of the loop. Open an Apple Store on Queen st or something.

I cant believe how much cheaper Apple stuff is from overseas right now - with the US dollar being lower, hardware ends up being a few hundred dollars cheaper when you buy from overseas. Some guy is importing macbooks from the states and selling them on Trademe for hundreds less than any retailers here.

[pknz]

There was an article in the NZ Herald maybe a month ago that Renaissance was going to lose its contract with Apple as it runs out soon... I shall try and find a link.

Link (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/search/story.cfm?storyid=000A1EF7-E7CA-1552-83E783027AF1010F)

Renaissance won't bite on Apple rumour

Friday November 10, 2006
By Peter Griffin

New Zealand's sole distributor of Apple computers and the iPod music player has rejected speculation it is about to lose the lucrative account that has fuelled its growth.

Renaissance Corporation managing director Paul Johnston said speculation on the Publicaddress.net Publicaddress.net weblog and other websites, about a move by Apple to ditch Renaissance in favour of a direct presence in New Zealand, was "off the mark".

"We've already been given our indicative targets for the next 12 months," Johnston said. The targets handed down by Apple suggest Renaissance's business with the California-based computer maker is safe for at least another year.

Renaissance, listed on the NZX, would no doubt be upset to see the Apple relationship end. Sales of the iPod helped push Renaissance profits up 120 per cent to $5.1 million last year. The Apple account remains the jewel in its crown despite attempts to diversify into other areas of IT.

Shares in Renaissance closed up 1c at $1.28 yesterday.

Johnston has warned that profit is likely to grow a more modest 20 per cent this year as the iPod buying frenzy abates.

Apple has a direct presence in many of the countries in which it sells computers and iPods and even runs its own retail stores. That fact, and a recent move by Renaissance's IT department to change the administration of Apple email addresses used by Renaissance staff, has led observers to suggest Renaissance's Apple-selling days are numbered.

Johnston was aware there was a perception that Apple products were sold at a significant premium in New Zealand compared with other markets, but said it was unfair to compare New Zealand and American pricing.

"Part of the problem is that lots of people do the comparison with the US. We buy through Apple Australia."

He said the exchange rate accounted for most of the difference between Australian and New Zealand pricing, but because of its hedging "it has to be a significant shift for us to make [pricing] different".

Johnston had no light to shed on reports that the opening of a New Zealand iTunes store was imminent.

[wetrix]

I'm waiting for my Macbook C2D from Apple Direct Seller. It was supposed to arrive today so I've been sitting here all day and now it's 5.00pm. \

Couriers :-(

[Nermal]

I'm waiting for my Macbook C2D from Apple Direct Seller. It was supposed to arrive today so I've been sitting here all day and now it's 5.00pm. \

Couriers :-(

Mine was sent out on Wednesday morning and I received it first thing Thursday.

[samh004]

There was an article in the NZ Herald maybe a month ago that Renaissance was going to lose its contract with Apple as it runs out soon... I shall try and find a link.

Link (http://www.nzherald.co.nz/search/story.cfm?storyid=000A1EF7-E7CA-1552-83E783027AF1010F)

I should hope so, they must be making big profits because of their increase in price, and I am sure Apple can't be very impressed with them. It has to be hurting them in some way...

Mind you, if Renaissance did lose their contract, prices wouldn't drop much, but at least they'd be more on par with the rest of the world, and any price drop is good I suppose.

[wetrix]

Mine was sent out on Wednesday morning and I received it first thing Thursday.

How did you get yours earlier than me? I was told by ADS as soon as they were available in the states and had mine brought in straight away, or did you get a blackbook? Congrats either way, I'm an incredibly envious right now.

[tvguru]

*shakes head in amazement at what they don't teach in US geography classes*

I'm not shocked. I've met a couple of Americans that sincerely didn't know where Canada is located. One even stating that "America owns from Mexico to the North Pole".

I like Americans, they're funny. :p ;)

[Nermal]

How did you get yours earlier than me? I was told by ADS as soon as they were available in the states and had mine brought in straight away, or did you get a blackbook? Congrats either way, I'm an incredibly envious right now.

I got the first one :D (15" 2.33)

...although I did pay a $120 premium for it.

[Philip Roy]

Apple in New Zealand is handled by a company called Renaissance (http://www.apple.co.nz/), they jack up the prices even higher than they should be and generally screw the whole of New Zealand, and there's nothing anybody can do unfortunately. Renaissance have no say in the pricings for New Zealand. They are deteremined by Apple Oz....so even Renaissance can do nothing about the prices.

And to answer someone else's question...no, there are no Apple stores in NZ.

Phil

[theappleguy]

I would question the accuracy of any technology report from the NZ Herald...

[amols]

YAY for me! And the rest of us down here in New Zealand. And who doesn't know where New Zealand is!?!?!?!?

Yeah....atleast those who've seen Lord of the Rings should know where NZ is. You can't blame them though. Most guy can't even name all the states in US here :p

[shigzeo]

Woohoo this will be great news if true, living in En Zed myself.

Now we just need Apple to set up a proper division here and leave renaissance out of the loop. Open an Apple Store on Queen st or something.

I cant believe how much cheaper Apple stuff is from overseas right now - with the US dollar being lower, hardware ends up being a few hundred dollars cheaper when you buy from overseas. Some guy is importing macbooks from the states and selling them on Trademe for hundreds less than any retailers here.

im confused by this 'en zed' stuff... what is all of this? anyway, cheers and good luck with album art!

[Nermal]

im confused by this 'en zed' stuff... what is all of this?

It's the Aussies making fun of our accent. Personally I think they need to eat more feesh and cheeps.

[winmacguy]

Who Cares???

New Zealand is teensy. The Australia store should be given movie downloads first. New Zealanders should be barred from any form of iTMS. They after all have more sheep than people over there :D.

OK, How's this concession? New Zealand can have their iTMS on the condition they promise NEVER to beat us Aussies in Rugby Union again. I think that's fair.

League sucks. Union Rules. We beat you in League, but that does nothing to deaden the pain in my heart watching my country get walloped by the Union All Blacks. :mad:

Seriously though, Good for you guys! I think it's about time that Apple offered us both Movie downloads as well though, don't you?

At least we know we both can always beat the American Rugby team :D

BTW, In case you didn't realise, I love Rugby!

That Renaissance thing sounds pretty bad. Hope they don't have their contract renewed, cos it sounds like they really are screwing all you guys... Sounds like a fantastic business opportunity to replace them.

Are you feeling the pain Erasmus?:eek: :p GO THE ABs!
Looking forward to a New Zealand iTMS!

[robPOD]

haha i ve been waiting for this for so long no more limewire and shame on u americans new zealand is the best country in the world, i hope rennasiance dosent loose apple cuz i get everything on discount anyway!

[SiliconAddict]

I wasn't quite sure where New Zealand was until I saw "The Worlds Fastest Indian" a few days ago. Good to know they will have iTunes content available. Do they have physical Apple stores down there?


Gah. I thought everyone knew New Zealand by now....what with THE TRILOGY being shot down there. Most beautiful land in the world IMHO. A friend grew up there. Plenty of picts. I'd love to visit someday if it wouldn't cost me an arm, one leg, and a torso. :p

[winmacguy]

Woohoo this will be great news if true, living in En Zed myself.

Now we just need Apple to set up a proper division here and leave renaissance out of the loop. Open an Apple Store on Queen st or something.

I cant believe how much cheaper Apple stuff is from overseas right now - with the US dollar being lower, hardware ends up being a few hundred dollars cheaper when you buy from overseas. Some guy is importing macbooks from the states and selling them on Trademe for hundreds less than any retailers here.

As Apple stores go the Bond and Bond store in Queen St is not too bad, although I have seen the Apple black shirt guy looking pretty bored in there on more than a few occasions. I think Renassance needs to start up some instore product demos like they do in the Apple stores in the US.

[winmacguy]

I'm not shocked. I've met a couple of Americans that sincerely didn't know where Canada is located. One even stating that "America owns from Mexico to the North Pole".

I like Americans, they're funny. :p ;)

Well they do own ALL the OIL in Iraq or did you not know that already;)

[winmacguy]

Renaissance have no say in the pricings for New Zealand. They are deteremined by Apple Oz....so even Renaissance can do nothing about the prices.

And to answer someone else's question...no, there are no Apple stores in NZ.

Phil

Hey Philip Roy of NZMac.com good to see you on MacRumors:) Welcome.

Edit: The Aussies could learn how to bowl properly rather than resorting to under arm bowling in difficult situations AND they could learn how to play proper professional rugby, as for their accent Get a XXXX down ya and stop wheeenging! (The reason Aussies call it XXXX is because they cant spell B-E-E-R)

Hey Silicon Addict bring some Apple stuff down with you to sell and pay for your trip!

[tulips]

For those of you who havent caught on yet. Apple Computer took control of apple.co.nz on the 29-Nov-06 and also Registered a company in NZ on the 20-mar-06. So although I wouldnt normally put much faith into NZ Tech Reports, for once they have at least got it right that something big is changing, but I dont think it is only about the iTMS.

[winmacguy]

For those of you who havent caught on yet. Apple Computer took control of apple.co.nz on the 29-Nov-06 and also Registered a company in NZ on the 20-mar-06. So although I wouldnt normally put much faith into NZ Tech Reports, for once they have at least got it right that something big is changing, but I dont think it is only about the iTMS.

I hope that means it will be good for us.
Edit: From Russel Brown
Publicaddress.net
Do we have a little bit of a situation here? A senior employee from iTunes in the US has been here this week - not that there's anything happening, you understand - to talk with potential aggregators for New Zealand content on the iTunes store due to launch next week. And at least two companies - Loop Digital and Jiggy.co.nz - are pitching for the business.

The idea is that iTunes doesn't want to be dealing with every little label or garage band, and some of them probably don't want to be dealing with iTunes either. So a third party comes in, aggregates the small fry, deals with iTunes, and clips the ticket.

Wellington-based Loop has a track record with iTunes in several territories, including the US and UK, and on Wednesday signed an extension to its existing territories, to encompass New Zealand. It has been approaching local labels this week with a fairly straightforward offer to place their content and branding on any iTunes store in the world, for a 20% commission on receipts. The standard contract term is 120 days. In, probably, all good faith, Loop is claiming to be the only local aggregator for iTunes......

[surroundfan]

...

OK, How's this concession? New Zealand can have their iTMS on the condition they promise NEVER to beat us Aussies in Rugby Union again. I think that's fair.

League sucks. Union Rules. We beat you in League, but that does nothing to deaden the pain in my heart watching my country get walloped by the Union All Blacks. :mad:

Seriously though, Good for you guys! I think it's about time that Apple offered us both Movie downloads as well though, don't you?

At least we know we both can always beat the American Rugby team :D

BTW, In case you didn't realise, I love Rugby!

...


What is this 'rugby' thing to which you refer?

The Australian Football League is the greatest sporting competition in the world though! Now that the Swannies and Lions are winning flags, you folks north of the border have no excuses for talking of 'rugby'.... ;)

But on to more frivolous matters, it's good to hear that NZ is getting in on the iTMS act, although I'm surprised they couldn't already access the Oz store, with the CER agreement and numerous other free trade measures in place.

[Agathon]

About bloody time.

There's plenty of music I'd like to have bought online, but nowhere to buy it to play on my iPod (and no thanks to mp3s from some dodgy Russian company).

The record companies deserve piracy with pointless delays like this.

[Agathon]

Who Cares???

New Zealand is teensy. The Australia store should be given movie downloads first. New Zealanders should be barred from any form of iTMS. They after all have more sheep than people over there :D.

Yeah that's true. They swim over here to avoid being "bothered" by you guys!!! ;)

And you cheat at cricket!!!! :)

[Chundles]

im confused by this 'en zed' stuff... what is all of this? anyway, cheers and good luck with album art!

Actually, En Zed isn't making fun of the accent. It is pronounced En Zed (New Zealand is often shortened to NZ, hence En Zed) so there's no mockery going on there.

If I were to mock the accent I'd say Un Zud. But thet'ud be a but sleck eh cuzzy bro?!

Oh, and it's not all the Aussies who call beer "XXXX", it's just the Queenslanders. Everybody knows there are a few roos loose in the top paddock of everyone living north of the NSW/Qld. border.

[LastZion]

this is exciting!!! I think I am about to move to NZ awesome!

[winmacguy]

What is this 'rugby' thing to which you refer?

The Australian Football League is the greatest sporting competition in the world though! Now that the Swannies and Lions are winning flags, you folks north of the border have no excuses for talking of 'rugby'.... ;)

But on to more frivolous matters, it's good to hear that NZ is getting in on the iTMS act, although I'm surprised they couldn't already access the Oz store, with the CER agreement and numerous other free trade measures in place.

Well I can say that rugby is a global sport when compared to Ozzy Rules so it is probably a bit hard to explain it to you.;) :D

[GreatDrok]

Here's a question for you all. I currently live in the UK (didn't want to but my parents moved here from NZ when I was a kid) and am going to move back next year. Well, I have bought a fair amount of stuff on the UK iTunes store and when I want to play it on a new machine I have to authorise it at the UK store which is all well and good as I have an account. However, when I move to NZ will I be able to migrate my UK account and buy from the NZ store (assuming all this is for real)? I'm sure this has popped up for people moving from the US to the UK for instance so someone must know. Cheers.

Oh, and yay for New Zealand, Australia sucks, and yes, we will keep kicking your arses at Rugby :D

[winmacguy]

Here's a question for you all. I currently live in the UK (didn't want to but my parents moved here from NZ when I was a kid) and am going to move back next year. Well, I have bought a fair amount of stuff on the UK iTunes store and when I want to play it on a new machine I have to authorise it at the UK store which is all well and good as I have an account. However, when I move to NZ will I be able to migrate my UK account and buy from the NZ store (assuming all this is for real)? I'm sure this has popped up for people moving from the US to the UK for instance so someone must know. Cheers.

Oh, and yay for New Zealand, Australia sucks, and yes, we will keep kicking your arses at Rugby :D

I think you can if you keep your UK billing address. Nermal could probably answer your question better.

[Nermal]

Nermal could probably answer your question better.

Indeed I can! If you change your existing account to an NZ account, then you will be able to buy new music from NZ, and still play your existing UK music. Even if you get a new computer, you will still be able to authorise your UK music, by using your NZ account - the country only restricts where you can buy from, and the account will still have authorisation keys for the UK music. Did that make sense? :)

[winmacguy]

Aside from Apple NZ finally getting their act together with the release of an iTunes NZ Store, it would also be good if they actually started using the "get a Mac" adverts here on TV as I am sure they would help to increase Mac sales.

I am assuming from reading the Herald article that the Apple "big wig" is still in town since he is going to be interviewed by TV3's John Campbell, Paul Holmes from Newstalk ZB and One News.

That being said, have any of the NZ based readers of this forum seen any of the likes of Phil Schiller or SJ or anyone around town in the last day or so?:confused:

[bornonbord]

It's too bad that the internet in NZ is incredibly expensive and most have monthly bandwidth limits.

Especially now that Apple is putting higher-rez qts of TV shows up. This suddenly makes an hour episode of Lost 500 MB.

When you only have 10 GB a month... suddenly that's a lot.

-Mark

[smurfjammer]

Hopefully this rumor comes true!!!

I've just updated my credit card and lost my access to the Austalian iTunes Store :mad:

[Nermal]

I've just updated my credit card and lost my access to the Austalian iTunes Store :mad:

Same here.

[mackiwi]

It's too bad that the internet in NZ is incredibly expensive and most have monthly bandwidth limits.

Especially now that Apple is putting higher-rez qts of TV shows up. This suddenly makes an hour episode of Lost 500 MB.

When you only have 10 GB a month... suddenly that's a lot.

-Mark

It's not too bad...$50 ($30 in US$) gets me a 7 m/b download with no download limt. Just crappy upload speed - but that doesn't affect anything I use it for.

[mackiwi]

- start rant:

I was thinking about buying a macbook when it came out, and when I did the math, I discovered that for the price of buying it in NZ, I could take a return trip to the australian Gold Coast, buy a macbook, and still have money left over for some cocktails by the pool.

I wrote a letter to Renaissance to enquire about why the price difference. No reply of course.

Plus when I brought my Macmini from a retailer last year, they gave me a voucher for Tiger which I had to send to Renaissance. I waited patiently for two weeks after I had sent my voucher, and then called them to enquire about my copy of Tiger. Apparently they sent it to the wrong address in a different city (WTF?). after failing to receive a copy they promised to send me, I gave them another call back. Apparently I was no longer within the 3 month free upgrade period (due to them not sending it to the right address in the first instance!), and so I was no longer entilted to it!

I sent my complaint to their complaint department, and received no correspondace back. So here I am 18 months later waiting for the release of Leopard (theres no way Renaissance are getting my money for Tiger).

I sent a detailed letter of my experience to Apple USA , and although I didn't get a reply, Hopefully I did my little part in Renaissances' eventual death as the NZ distributor of apple products.

Wankers. :mad:

- end rant.

[timonz]

What do you think for song pricing?
2$ per track?


Regarding the local apple pricing, it has been much better over the last year, but I think that is just the strong NZ dollar. When I got my iBook 3 years ago, from the US, I got a couple of airport cards and a base station too, all for about the price on an iBook in nz.

[farqueue]

What do you think for song pricing?
2$ per track?


Regarding the local apple pricing, it has been much better over the last year, but I think that is just the strong NZ dollar. When I got my iBook 3 years ago, from the US, I got a couple of airport cards and a base station too, all for about the price on an iBook in nz.

there are much cheaper download sites like digirama.co.nz which sells songs for $1.39 if i recall

[SParis]

For those of you who havent caught on yet. Apple Computer took control of apple.co.nz on the 29-Nov-06 and also Registered a company in NZ on the 20-mar-06. So although I wouldnt normally put much faith into NZ Tech Reports, for once they have at least got it right that something big is changing, but I dont think it is only about the iTMS.

Hi, tulips. I was under the impression that Apple already owned apple.co.nz but were redirecting it to Renaissance in some way as part of their distribution agreement.

Apple.co.nz still redirects to Renaissance. Are you certain this happened? Where did you hear about it?

[PCMacUser]

Here's a question for you all. I currently live in the UK (didn't want to but my parents moved here from NZ when I was a kid) and am going to move back next year. Well, I have bought a fair amount of stuff on the UK iTunes store and when I want to play it on a new machine I have to authorise it at the UK store which is all well and good as I have an account. However, when I move to NZ will I be able to migrate my UK account and buy from the NZ store (assuming all this is for real)? I'm sure this has popped up for people moving from the US to the UK for instance so someone must know. Cheers.
When I moved back to NZ from the Britain, I simply kept my UK credit card and account, so I've been able to use the UK iTunes Store from NZ this whole time :) Maybe you should hang onto yours too.

[GreatDrok]

When I moved back to NZ from the Britain, I simply kept my UK credit card and account, so I've been able to use the UK iTunes Store from NZ this whole time :) Maybe you should hang onto yours too.

I had been thinking about doing this. My bank has offered to let me keep my UK account going as well as helping me get set up with banking facilities in NZ so this isn't a bad idea.

Indeed I can! If you change your existing account to an NZ account, then you will be able to buy new music from NZ, and still play your existing UK music. Even if you get a new computer, you will still be able to authorise your UK music, by using your NZ account - the country only restricts where you can buy from, and the account will still have authorisation keys for the UK music. Did that make sense? :)

Makes perfect sense thanks. I guess I'll test the water and see if continuing to use my UK account makes sense versus switching over entirely.

[zac4mac]

Good luck to y'all down under. Never been to Un(En) Zed, but I've been to Australia a couple of times while in the Navy. Perth/Freemantle twice and Sydney once. Highlights were seeing the Southern Cross and the Opera House. Sydney was a beautiful city, a local took me around town sight seeing. Perth wasn't as eye-catching, but I did pick up a large chunk of raw opal for the price of dirt. Made a couple of beautiful cabs that I still haven't done anything with but admire... end ramble

Z

[bornonbord]

It's not too bad...$50 ($30 in US$) gets me a 7 m/b download with no download limt. Just crappy upload speed - but that doesn't affect anything I use it for.

Who do you have? Xtra?

From what I understand, the providers that don't have bandwidth limits (like the new XTRA) do have limits on P2P such as Skype and the audio chats and video chats of iChat. I'm sure it's really set up for things like Limewire, but unfortunately these other low-bandwidth P2Ps are effected.

Would still be good to see an NZ store... I'm sure it's a mess of math to figure out how it could be cost effective for a country of 4m

-Mark

[Squid7085]

Wow, its so cool to see so many Mac users from down in Australia and... NZ. Heh, Its nice to see that because I am moving to Australia in a few years to be with my girlfreind again. She had lived in the states for awhile and had to move back this last year. I was always really concerned about Mac support and such down there. I really think, and have for awhile, that the next country to get an Apple store should definatly be Australia. Sydney would be the obvious choice, though I am moving to the Perth/Fremantle area. It would be even cooler to have one in Perth so I could work there! Anyways, I do hear a lot about the whole Oz and NZ stuff from a Aussie point of view, as I don't live there yet, so I won't contribute what I have heard. :D

Oh and by the way. I am an American by birth, and I agree with you 100%, you would probably be talking to a few Americans before you find one who can tell you where New Zealand is, or have even heard of it. And many of them will more than likely be like "Isn't New Zealand part of Australia?" I have seen how mad that makes Aussies. :p

[Mac Kiwi]

Excellent news :)

[Linito]

Excellent news :)

i second that;) the more the merier

[PODshady]

Good news for New Zealand residents I would imagine

[pknz]

Well NZ, just got the iTunes store as well at the Apple online store:D

Edit, can't seem to sign up to the iTS as yet.

www.apple.com/nz

Also, does anyone have the pricing for Apple products prior to these announcements?

[Nermal]

Also, does anyone have the pricing for Apple products prior to these announcements?

See thread.

[winmacguy]

Well NZ, just got the iTunes store as well at the Apple online store:D

Edit, can't seem to sign up to the iTS as yet.

www.apple.com/nz

Also, does anyone have the pricing for Apple products prior to these announcements?

Same, the NZ store is not showing up in my iTunes yet either.:confused: :(

[stevenz]

Confirmed, the iTunes store is now active in New Zealand as of this morning. I've currently listening to the first track I purchased. (First track from Octavarium by Dream Theater)

Individual tracks look to be $1.79 and albums are $17.99. Pricing differs for videos, games etc.

Download speed seems ok, took about 8 seconds/megabyte.

And the "Get album art" feature works well also.

Hooray!

And via the Apple Store, prices have dropped significantly compared to the previous Renaissance page as well. The price of the high-end iMac dropped by around $300.

[smurfjammer]

I got this in my inbox:

Dear eNews Recipient

If you are receiving this email, you are registered for Renaissance's version of Apple eNews (via apple.co.nz).

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support, and let you know that Renaissance will no longer be creating a local version of Apple's eNews.

We would like to continue to keep you up to date about New Zealand-based Apple events and news in the future. If you do not wish to receive this information, please email applewebmaster@renaissance.co.nz with the header "UNSUBSCRIBE".

Kind Regards
The eNews Team
Apple Division of Renaissance

Does this mean that Renaissance is getting pushed out?
I did read somewhere that Renaissance staff had changed their email addresses from @apple.co.nz to @renaissance.co.nz. :confused:

[stevenz]

That would be nice, Renaissance have always been a pain to deal with, and have always abused their monopoly with excessive pricing.

[Mac Kiwi]

On the news tonight {stockmarket section} they mentioned that Renaissance were still saying they have the Apple contract.

[GreatDrok]

I was going to buy a Mac Pro in the UK before I move to NZ but looking at the prices on the Apple Store they look to be cheaper than the UK. Not sure if this is a tax thing or what? Tracks on the iTunes UK store are 79p each and at the current exchange rate NZ$1.79 is 62.3p so that looks quite significant :D

[farqueue]

On the news tonight {stockmarket section} they mentioned that Renaissance were still saying they have the Apple contract.

2nd that. Arent they the same tho?

Lol theyre still selling NZ$478 for 8gb ipod whereas apple.com.nz store selling them for $449 arseholes:mad: