When your office is a braided river in remote South Westland and your work is protecting one of Aotearoa’s most endangered native birds, connectivity isn’t a convenience - it’s critical.
Recently, a Department of Conservation (DOC) team member spent close to three days assisting with a whio (blue duck) survey along the Moeraki River. This is rugged, isolated terrain where traditional mobile coverage simply doesn’t reach. In the past, that would have meant limited contact with colleagues and support teams while out in the field.
This time was different.
Using One NZ’s satellite-to-mobile technology, they were able to send and receive text messages despite having no cellular reception. From deep in the South Westland backcountry, they could stay in touch, coordinate logistics, and provide updates - all in near real time.
For conservation teams working in some of the most remote parts of the country, that kind of connectivity is a game changer. It enhances safety, improves coordination, and reduces the communication barriers that have long been part of field-based work.
Satellite technology extends connectivity beyond the limits of traditional networks, helping organisations like DOC continue their vital environmental work with greater confidence and support.
Whether it’s protecting endangered species, maintaining remote infrastructure, or responding to events in hard-to-reach locations, satellite capability ensures teams can stay connected when it matters most.
At One NZ, we’re proud to support DOC and other partners operating on the frontline of Aotearoa’s most remote environments - helping build a better-connected Aotearoa New Zealand by delivering coverage beyond coverage through satellite innovation.
To find out more about the work DOC is doing to monitor the blue duck/whio, visit https://www.doc.govt.nz/our-work/national-predator-control-programme/monitoring-results-for-native-species/blue-duck-whio/
To know more about how One NZ is connecting for conservation, visit https://one.nz/why-choose-us/department-of-conservation/
*One NZ Satellite: Use data on select apps and TXT/MMS in minutes. 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/why-choose-us/satellite/