Strong partnerships are tested when conditions are toughest - and when severe storms hit Coromandel and Northland, the Department of Conservation (DOC) needed to quickly contact thousands of people with camp bookings across New Zealand.
Previously, this would have required contacting each booking individually - a time-consuming process at a moment when speed mattered most. Coromandel Operations Manager Nick Kelly raised an urgent request with DOC’s IT helpdesk, who immediately reached out to One NZ for support.
Using One NZ’s satellite-enabled communications, cancellation texts were sent to several thousand bookings within an hour. The rapid response helped keep visitors safe, reduced confusion, and eased pressure on DOC teams managing the impacts of the storms - a clear example of how the partnership delivers real value in critical moments.
The benefits of the partnership extend well beyond large-scale communications
In another recent incident, DOC National Services and Infrastructure (NSI) Heritage Advisor Tom Barker was conducting site assessments in the Buller Gorge when he came across a rolled campervan partially obstructing the road. Two French tourists, largely unharmed, needed emergency assistance to have the vehicle cleared.
Although other travellers had stopped to help, no one in the area had mobile coverage to make a call for help.
Using One NZ Satellite* Tom was able to TXT St Arnaud Principal Ranger Daryl Stephens, who then contacted the local police officer. Through back-and-forth satellite TXT messages, the situation was assessed and coordinated - and around 40 minutes later, a police officer arrived on site.
The incident highlighted how satellite connectivity can be critical not just for remote fieldwork, but for unexpected situations that directly affect public safety.
One NZ Satellite enables users with eligible phones and plans to use select apps and send TXTs via satellite to stay connected when outside of traditional cell-tower coverage wherever they can see the sky.
A partnership built on impact
These examples demonstrate the practical, real-world value of the One NZ and DOC partnership - enabling faster responses, safer outcomes, and better support for both frontline teams and the public.
Whether it’s reaching thousands of people during extreme weather or providing vital connectivity in remote locations, One NZ is proud to support DOC in protecting New Zealanders, visitors, and the places they care for.
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*One NZ Satellite: TXT/MMS in minutes and use data on select apps. Requires eligible phone and plan, and line of sight to the sky. Limited app features. Paid Add-On may apply. Terms, fair use, standard MMS charges and capacity control applies. See https://one.nz/satellite