After doing some quick research upon reading up on some news articles it seems as though by the end of 2015 NZ will have a very solid international connection backbone.
Why's that? Firstly
Southern cross (the current, only submarine cable system connecting NZ to the rest of the world) is constantly upgrading their cable, I believe they are in the process of implementing 100Gbps technology. This alone will help keep up with fast growing demand.
Secondly
Tasman Global Access Cable (TGA) is Telecom and Vodafone's planned submarine cable connecting NZ with Aus. This will go hand in hand with the other cables allowing for increased bandwidth competition and stronger connections to Aus, which further relays to Asia.
Thirdly
The new Hawaiki submarine cable is expected to be ready by the 4th quarter of 2015. This cable will connect NZ, Aus and Western USA. Again, more international bandwidth, more competition (Orcon have already signed on incase you missed the news).
Fourthly
The planned APX East submarine cable (which will go hand in hand with the APX West cable), will also connect AUS, NZ and the USA.
Seems kinda of odd how they are all planned to be finished by the end of 2015, if all goes to plan this should increase the competition in the bandwidth marketplace hugely, not only improving our international connections but possibly reducing prices and/or allowing for larger data caps.
These international connectivity improvements should go hand in hand with the national network improvements, VDSL/UFB. Meaning real-world download/upload uses to international services will be faster and more stable.
What do you guys think? Do you have any further info to add to this post?
-Aidan.
UPDATE: Useful map.
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