Tararua District Council drones not toys but potential life-savers

Tararua's new drone is tested by Josh Webster, left, Anthony Mason (doing the piloting) and Tony Krzyżewski. Photo / Supplied

The Tararua District Council has moved into the hi-tech world of drones, but they're not toys, rather essential business tools.

"The council is embarking on its long-planned drone project to build capacity around the new technology," Peter Wimsett, council's manager of strategy and district development, said.

"Other councils have noted quick paybacks with inspection work in bridges and buildings being particularly effective, while use in emergencies will provide fundamental improvements in how we assess issues and make appropriate response decisions."

Council will have access to four trained people from its IT team and Tararua Alliance to operate the drones.

"We've purchased three drones and spent as much on their cameras as the drones themselves, but they'll be invaluable in a wide range of circumstances," Mr Wimsett said.

One camera is heat sensing and can be used for fire and people detection, with a high-resolution camera.

A second drone is capable of measuring volumes and useful for council staff to check ponds, metal pits - calculating the stock they hold - and for assessing trees.

"While businesses could be eliminating jobs because of technology, the use of drones is one area where we are creating jobs," Mr Wimsett said.

Having built the business case for drones for the past 18 months, Mr Wimsett said he was waiting for the new financial year to buy the biggest drone, capable of handling high winds and coping with storm conditions.

"This could save lives and be able to assess whether a bridge is passable or not in a storm," he said.

The drone pictured cost $7000, which included the camera and kit, and Mr Wimsett said another council spent $12,000 on its drone and said it provided payback in three months.