Renaissance won't handle iTunes or Apple Online Stores in New Zealand

Apple will look after the newly launched Online Stores in New Zealand for both products and iTunes music/video, its distributor Renaissance said today. The news comes after months of speculation over Apple's plans for the iTunes Store, and denials from Renaissance that it wouldn't be involved in it.

The direct online presence for Apple in New Zealand doesn't mean Renaissance loses out on distributing Apple gear however. Renaissance says there are no changes in the contractual agreement between it and Apple; the company will continue as the New Zealand distributor for Apple.

Without specifying details, Renaissance says "New Zealand will now come under Apple's worldwide pricing model." It hopes that this will lift demand for Apple products in the country.

A quick look at the front pages of the Apple Online Stores in Australia and New Zealand show this sample pricing for the more popular hardware products:

MacBook: From A$1,749 - NZ$2,079
MacBook Pro: From A$3,199 - NZ$3,799
Mac Mini: From A$949 - NZ$1,128
iMac: From A$1,549 - NZ$1,848
Mac Pro: From A$3,999 - NZ$4,699
iPod Shuffle: A$119 - NZ$149
iPod Nano: From A$219 - NZ$249
iPod: From A$380 - NZ$449

The figures above are taken from the website, but may not be directly comparable due to configuration differences and local taxes included or excluded.