Apple Launches New Zealand iTunes and Online Apple Stores

[MacRumors]

As expected, Apple has launched New Zealand's iTunes and Online Apple stores.

"We’re thrilled to bring the iTunes Store and the online Apple Store to our customers in New Zealand just in time for the holidays," said Eddy Cue, Apple's vice president of iTunes. "With over two million songs, the iTunes Store features the largest catalogue of local and international music in New Zealand, and with the new online Apple Store, it's easier than ever to shop for everything from a personally engraved iPod to a customized Mac."

Individual songs will be priced at NZ$1.79, music videos at NZ$3.59 and most albums at NZ$17.99. More information can be found by reading Apple's press release or by visiting Apple's New Zealand site.

 

[x86isslow]

Welcome aboard No more complaining from down under

 

[Sean7512]

It is great to see that Apple is expanding their market! Hopefully, they continue, but where else do they have to expand to yet?

 

[jimsowden]

I know these guys have been waiting a long time, iTS proliferation!

 

[wetrix]

It's great to see decreased prices on the whole product line.

Ironic timing. I just got my C2D macbook two days ago from the US because this store didn't exist.

Anyone in NZ actually been able to access NZ itunes store through itunes? It still doesn't come up as an option for me.

 

[redAPPLE]

It is great to see that Apple is expanding their market! Hopefully, they continue, but where else do they have to expand to yet?

well, there is a continent called south america for example...

I know these guys have been waiting a long time, iTS proliferation!

go kiwis! now prove to apple that there is a market there and go buy your music.

 

[dextertangocci]

That's nice.

NOW WE WANT ONE IN SOUTH AFRICA!!!!! PLEASE APPLE!!! PLEASE!!!!!

 

[colocolo]

well, there is a continent called south america for example...

Thank you!

Indeed, we do exist... some of us have even heard of these strange machines, "computers" they seem to call them!!

 

[pknz]

Yay

New Zealand has appeared in the country list on iTS now

 

[jholzner]

This is great news and the first opening of a new iTS in a long while.

 

[Mr.G]

Congralutations New Zeland!!!!

And Buenos Aires??????? Please, don`t forget us!!!!!!!!!!

 

[pianoman]

welcome aboard!

how many countries still don't have Apple stores, though...?

 

[twoodcc]

It is great to see that Apple is expanding their market! Hopefully, they continue, but where else do they have to expand to yet?

my thoughts also. Good job Apple!

yeah, i don't know where else they can expand to

 

[darwen]

Sounds Great!

I don't know how you guys lived with out it. Life will probably be a lot eisier now.

 

[direzz]

what? they get videos and the canada apple store still doesnt? WTF.

 

[jholzner]

what? they get videos and the canada apple store still doesnt? WTF.

The Canadian store has music videos just like the NZ store. NZ didn't get TV shows or anything.

 

[theBB]

No Apple store, but iTunes??? Isn't it a bit odd?

EDIT: It seems they are getting an online Apple store where they can buy Macs, as well. That's better...

 

[DoogieWoogie]

It is great to see that Apple is expanding their market! Hopefully, they continue, but where else do they have to expand to yet?

The moon? I hear NASA are planning to build a base there.

 

[pknz]

Questions:
Does this mean Renaissance's contract with Apple is over?
Is there a refurbished part to the online store? (Haven't seen it, maybe NZ is too small)

 

[jholzner]

No Apple store, but iTunes??? Isn't it a bit odd?

EDIT: It seems they are getting an online APple store where they can buy Macs as well. That's better...

Do you mean physical Apple Store or online Apple Store? The online NZ Apple store also opened today. If you mean physical Apple stores, I'm sure launching the iTS is easier than planning and opening a chain of physical retail stores in a country.

 

[pigwin32]

Questions:
Does this mean Renaissance's contract with Apple is over?
Is there a refurbished part to the online store? (Haven't seen it, maybe NZ is too small)

GENERAL: RNS: Satement from Renaissance 08:33am
RNS
06/12/2006
GENERAL

REL: 0833 HRS Renaissance Corporation Limited

GENERAL: RNS: Satement from Renaissance

Renaissance would like to advise that following Apple's launch this morning
of the Apple Online Store and iTunes Online Store, Renaissance will no longer
be responsible for maintaining the web site and online store on Apple's
behalf.

As a result of this change, New Zealand will now come under Apple's worldwide
pricing model.

Renaissance expects this to help increase overall demand for Apple products
across all channels in the country.

While this change means Apple will have a direct online presence in New
Zealand, Renaissance will continue to manage the distribution of Apple
products in New Zealand. There are no changes in the contractual agreement
between Apple and Renaissance.
End CA:00140930 For:RNS Type:GENERAL Time:2006-12-06:08:33:11

 

[bigandy]

welcome aboard!

how many countries still don't have Apple stores, though...?

well the best bet is there are 193 countries on our planet.

there are 22 iTS now.

that means, through a simple calculation, there are still 171 countries without an iTunes store.

some facts to note:

there are no South American stores.

there are no African stores.

Spain doesn't have a store, while Portugal does.

 

[jholzner]

well the best bet is there are 193 countries on our planet.

there are 22 iTS now.

that means, through a simple calculation, there are still 171 countries without an iTunes store.

some facts to note:

there are no South American stores.

there are no African stores.

Spain doesn't have a store, while Portugal does.

Spain has a store:

http://store.apple.com/Apple/WebObjects/spainstore

 

[Scarlet Fever]

now we have to find new material to tease Nermal about

as well as congrats to Apple for bringing iTS to NZ, i'd also like to give a big "its about bloody time" as well.

on a side note, i went to an Apple Centre in Christchurch (i forget the name, though). It was the best Apple Centre i've been in. They had every Mac on display; all the iMacs, different configs of Mac Mini, etc. I haven't seen one in Australia that does that yet.

Enjoi the new store, kiwis!

 

[Doctor Q]

Some people have voted "negative" on this story!

If I had any doubts that people click randomly when rating stories, they have now been erased.

Unless somebody can enlighten me as to why this is an unfortunate event.