Inspecting power poles can be a time-consuming task for linesmen but an innovative option being tested in the Rangitikei next week could change all that.
Powerco will trial a "hexcopter" to aerially check power poles and cross-arms in what is believed to be first in this country.
Phil Marsh, Powerco network operations manager, said there was a range of inspection technologies available but his company was using technology developed by New Plymouth company Rotorcam.
The hexcopter is a small, unmanned, six-rotor aircraft operated by a ground-based pilot and Mr Marsh said next week a number of power poles in and around Marton will be inspected by the remote-controlled craft.
"We're excited to be working with Rotorcam for this project," he said. "The hexcopter can provide high-quality footage of the tops of poles and cross-arms which can usually only be achieved by using a helicopter or bucket truck."