A medical drone trial has taken place in the Bay of Plenty. Video / Supplied
New Zealand has taken a major step toward revolutionising healthcare access for remote communities after the first Bay of Plenty medical drone delivery trial.
The milestone event last Thursday, hosted at Te Kutaroa Marae on Matakana Island, was led by VertiLink Advanced Air Mobility Limited in collaboration withNgāi Te Rangi Iwi, Ferntech NZ, PracMed NZ, and local community partners.
The trial formed part of a Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE)-funded research project conducted by VertiLink and the University of Auckland.
The initiative aims to design and implement an Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) ecosystem capable of improving health outcomes for isolated populations.
At 10.45am, the first drone flight left Ōmokoroa, carrying trauma treatment equipment for a simulated emergency co-ordinated by Papamoa-based PracMed NZ.
Within four minutes, the DJI FlyCart 30 aircraft landed just metres from the simulated patient, enabling first responders to stabilise the individual within 15 minutes - a dramatic improvement for an island where emergency response times can be life-critical.
Subsequent flights showcased additional applications, including the delivery of prescription medicines from Ōmokoroa Pharmacy, medical kits, and a defibrillator supplied by Hato Hone St John Ambulance.
Return flights transported locally grown produce, such as Matakana Island blueberries, highlighting the potential for drone logistics to support local economies alongside healthcare.
A vision for the future
VertiLink CEO Charlie Nelson (Ngāi Te Rangi, Ngāti Ranginui, Ngāti Awa, Tūhoe, Tūhourangi) described the trial as a “clear demonstration that emerging aviation technologies can deliver tangible benefits for remote communities”.
The trial validated the concept and set the stage for further research into safe, efficient operations and scalability across New Zealand, he said.
The DJI FlyCart 30 used in the trial can carry up to 40kgs.
The DJI FlyCart 30 used in the trial can carry up to 40 kilograms and was operated under Ferntech NZ’s Civil Aviation Authority Part 102 certification, with clearance from Tauranga Airport’s Air Traffic Control Tower.
Next steps
VertiLink planned to continue working with iwi, communities, researchers, and stakeholders to explore the full potential of AAM —not only for healthcare but for economic, educational, and social benefits nationwide.
As Nelson noted, “the success proves the concept. Our focus now is on understanding how operations can be safely and efficiently run while assessing the potential applicability of similar approaches in other parts of New Zealand”.
