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A pilot programme using satellite-enabled sensors in toilets, huts and pest-control systems across remote public conservation areas could help cut costs, reduce emissions and improve visitor management, according to the Department of Conservation.
The Connected Conservation trial, funded in partnership with One NZ, will see about 50 smart sensors installed across remote sites including Mt Aspiring National Park, Fiordland National Park and Tongariro National Park.
The technology will provide real-time data on wastewater levels, facility use, and animal interactions with traps and cameras.
Tourism and track management benefits
DOC manages about 2,000 toilets nationwide, many in remote visitor locations. The department says the new system could allow rangers to monitor facilities remotely, better target maintenance and identify issues earlier.
That could be particularly valuable on popular visitor routes and high-use tourism areas where servicing is complex and expensive.
Department of Conservation director of monitoring and insights Karl Beckert says the pilot could change how DOC manages remote infrastructure.
“Currently a lot of DOC’s work relies on estimating when servicing and intervention is needed but, as usage and needs change, this has to change too.
“This partnership is helping us explore new tools to rethink how we have traditionally operated in these environments and take a smarter, more targeted approach.”
Karl says fewer routine inspections, helicopter flights and vehicle trips could create substantial savings.
“On some of our busiest tracks, this translates to more than $1 million in savings over a six-year period, together with around 30 tonnes of avoided CO emissions.”
Wider conservation potential
DOC says the technology may also support predator control and biodiversity monitoring in remote areas.
One NZ chief technology officer Kieran Byrne says expanded satellite coverage is helping unlock new uses for remote technology.
“By combining our network with smart sensor technology, we’re opening up entirely new ways of working in some of the country’s most remote environments.”
The first sensors were installed in early April, with the rollout focused on high-use and logistically complex sites.
