A memorandum of understanding has been signed between the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment and Tauranga-based Envico Technologies, in preparation for a trial which will field test the use of predator-control drones for conservation.

MBIE General Manager of Science, Innovation and International, Dr Peter Crabtree, says Envico is the third industry partner to join the Government's Airspace Integration Trials Programme.

The programme supports world-leading aerospace companies to carry out the development, testing and market validation of advanced drones in New Zealand.

'One of the Programme's goals is to accelerate the integration of drones into New Zealand airspace, in order to unlock the economic and social benefits on offer. Industry partners like Envico will also help to inform policy and regulatory development by sharing data and learnings obtained from the testing of their innovative platforms.

'The partnership with Envico adds to the work being undertaken by other industry partners in the Airspace Integration Trials Programme in the areas of passenger transport and high-altitude imaging, demonstrating the depth and breadth of New Zealand's growing drone sector,” says Peter Crabtree.

Envico have a strong track record in predator control using drones, including the eradication of rodents on two islands in the Galapagos in 2019.

In 2020, they were the recipients of a Department of Conservation grant, enabling them to begin a series of field trials using drones for dispersal of non-toxic cereal baits.

In order to scale up operations for these trials, Envico is developing a new, larger aerial baiting drone, converting a small helicopter to enable remotely piloted operations.

'We're excited for the opportunities that come with being part of the Airspace Integration Trials Programme as we continue our development, says Envico Co-Founder Cameron Baker.

'This partnership will enable us to work closely with other industry partners in the programme, sharing our experiences and insights to further advance the aerospace industry in New Zealand.”

'I'm eager to see Envico's progress as they continue development of their predator control drones in New Zealand, especially with a project that will help protect Aotearoa's flora and fauna from invasive species,” says Peter Crabtree.

The Airspace Integration Trials Programme is a key initiative for the Innovative Partnerships team in the Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, which works with innovative companies to enable them to connect, collaborate and invest in New Zealand.

The Programme was launched in 2019, working alongside the Ministry of Transport, Civil Aviation Authority and other key stakeholders to support industry partners to take their drone technology from testing to in-service operations.

In March 2020, the Department of Conservation invested $790,000 in the development of Envico's predator control drones through its Predator Free 2050 Tools to Market programme, enabling a series of field trials using non-toxic cereal baits. This programme invests in the development of new predator control tools and technologies to help achieve Predator Free 2050 goals.