New Zealand is joining the rest of the world in embracing the possibilities of the Internet of Things (IoT). The IoT is a system of devices connected to the internet that can collect and exchange data. With an ever-growing number of interconnected devices, IoT offers New Zealanders powerful opportunities for innovation, productivity, and sustainability. In this article, we take a look at the current state of IoT in New Zealand and some of its implications.
Government Support
The New Zealand government has been actively promoting the use of IoT to stimulate economic growth. By investing in smart cities, universities and research facilities, the government has been encouraging companies to explore the use of IoT in their operations. For example, the government has provided funding to Christchurch City Council to develop a “smart city” in the centre of the city. This includes installing and connecting traffic lights, parking meters, sensors, and other elements of the city that are connected to the internet.
The government has also been providing grants to universities and private companies to encourage research and development in the field of IoT. In 2016, the government set aside NZ$2.2 million to fund research projects focused on the potential of IoT. The projects ranged from tracking soil moisture using sensors and satellite data, to using drones for detecting crop diseases.
IoT Starter Kits
Along with government support, several entrepreneurs have come up with innovative ways to make it easier for individuals and businesses to get started with the IoT. Companies such as Hive are offering IoT starter kits that make it easier for people to install and use devices in their homes or businesses. These kits come with hardware, software, and instructions that simplify the process of setting up an IoT system.
The kits also provide users with access to a range of applications and services to further extend the functionality of the devices. For example, a kit may come with a mobile app that allows users to access and control the devices remotely. Other services, such as data analytics, can be integrated with the kit to give users a better understanding of their data.
Applications of IoT in NZ
The IoT is being applied to a variety of fields in New Zealand. Agriculture is one area that has seen particularly strong growth in the use of IoT. To improve the efficiency of farming operations, farmers in New Zealand have been using IoT devices such as sensors to collect data about soil moisture and temperature. This data can then be used to inform decisions about when to water crops, when to fertilize, and when to harvest.
IoT is also being used in the energy sector. Utilities in New Zealand are using IoT-enabled devices to collect data on energy usage, which can be used to optimize energy production and consumption. Additionally, the IoT is being used to monitor the health of the country’s electric grid, allowing for faster response to any outages or disruptions.
In the health sector, IoT is being used to develop telemedicine systems and remote patient monitoring solutions. These systems make it easier for medical professionals to monitor patient data and provide timely medical care without the need for physical contact. This can have a significant impact on the healthcare system by reducing costs, improving patient outcomes, and streamlining processes.
The IoT promises to revolutionize the way we live and work in New Zealand. By harnessing the power of the internet, it offers powerful opportunities for innovation, productivity, and sustainability. There is still much room for growth, but the current state of IoT in New Zealand is encouraging, with the government and private sector investing in the technology.
- Government Support: The NZ government is actively promoting the use of IoT to stimulate economic growth, investing in smart cities and providing grants for research projects.
- IoT Starter Kits: Companies such as Hive are offering IoT starter kits with hardware, software, and instructions to make it easier for people to get started with the IoT.
The applications of the IoT are vast, from agriculture to energy production. With the right investments and the right technology, New Zealand is well-positioned to take advantage of the IoT to improve lives and the economy.