7 July 2026
Spark, the Far North District Council (FNDC) and Dryad have implemented an advanced ultra-early fire detection system at the Waitangi Endowment Forest – the first of its kind in New Zealand.
This initiative aims to safeguard one of New Zealand’s cultural landmarks by providing state-of-the-art protection against wildfires, using sensors that are ‘trained’ to detect variations in air quality and presence of pollutants associated with smouldering and smoke. The system will learn to recognise smoke based on the native tree and shrub species, other vegetation and the soil type unique to Waitangi.
The project will use Dryad’s Silvanet system, which is a network of sensors spread throughout the park. These solar-powered sensors use artificial intelligence to detect fires early and then issue an alarm to FNDC and the Waitangi Endowment Forest who alert Fire and Emergency. The sensors are designed to detect traces of smouldering even if there isn’t visible smoke or fire. This gives more time to respond, including faster evacuation of the park and alerting Fire and Emergency sooner.
Spark, through its company Adroit, is bringing the new fire detection technology to Waitangi Forest. Adroit will deploy and configure the system, connect it to the internet and make sure everything works smoothly. FNDC will install the sensors in the forest and will match funding provided through Round 7 of the Tourism Infrastructure Fund administered by Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment.
By extending Spark’s IoT networks into the Waitangi Endowment Forest, this initiative is pioneering the concept of a ‘smart forest’ – using connected sensors and intelligent monitoring to protect and sustain New Zealand’s natural heritage, along with protecting the substantial community investment and infrastructure that sits within this forest, as well as safeguarding the hundreds of people who use the area every week.
Waitangi Endowment Forest was created by the Waitangi Endowment Act 1932-33 and gifted to the nation. The forest is managed by the Department of Conservation on behalf of the Waitangi National Trust Board. The forest is home to native species like the North Island Brown Kiwi and contains the popular Waitangi Mountain Bike Park.
There will be 250 wildfire sensors installed across the forest. This means the whole park will be covered by sensors that will help spot fires quickly and also monitor forest health and growth. Installation of the set-up has been authorised by the Department of Conservation for a period of 15 years.
“At Spark, we are committed to leveraging innovative technology to protect New Zealand’s natural and cultural heritage. The deployment of this system at Waitangi Endowment Forest is a testament to our dedication to environmental conservation and community safety,” says Liz Urquhart, Spark’s General Manager of Business Products and Services.
Source & image credit: Spark
Related: Solar-powered sensors using AI to detect wildfires
A new fire detection system in the Far North has seen see 250 solar-powered sensors installed across the Waitangi Endowment Forest. The sensors use artificial intelligence and are designed to detect traces of smouldering even where smoke may not be visible.
Source: RNZ
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